FRANCE-SERBIA - The Year of Jubilees

FRANCE - SERBIA

YEAR OF

JUBILEES 230 180 10

th

th

th

Anniversary: The Storming Of The Bastille

Anniversary: French-Serbian Diplomatic Relations

Anniversary: The French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce

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CONTENTS

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OUR RELATIONS RUN DEEP AND WIDE

SERBIA IS A PROMISING COUNTRY FOR DOING BUSINESS

COMMENT

RENEWED DYNAMISM OF FRENCH-SERBIAN RELATIONS H.E. FRÉDÉRIC MONDOLONI, AMBASSADOR OF FRANCE

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THE PAST INSPIRES RENEWED ALLIANCE

AMBASSADOR BOJANA ADAMOVIĆ DRAGOVIĆ, HEAD OF DEPARTMENT FOR EUROPE, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

DEJAN MARKOVIĆ, CEO, SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC SRBIJA D.O.O.

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PRESIDENT MACRON’S VISIT IS WIND IN THE SAILS OF FRENCH-SERBIAN COOPERATION

DRAGOLJUB DAMLJANOVIĆ, PRESIDENT OF THE FRENCHSERBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (CCI FRANCE SERBIE)

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START OF EUROPE’S MODERN ERA

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TOTAL IS A TOP-RANKING PLAYER

PRISCILIA DUBOCAGE, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF TOTAL HUB BALKANS (SERBIA, SLOVENIA AND CROATIA)

UNFORGETTABLE HISTORY

180TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF FRENCH-SERBIAN DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

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WE WORK EVERY DAY FOR OUR CUSTOMERS AND SOCIETY

CARLOS DE CORDOUE, CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD, CREDIT AGRICOLE SRBIJA

CCI FRANCE SERBIE

10 TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FRENCHSERBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PHOTOS: Zoran Petrović

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COPY EDITOR: Mark Pullen TRANSLATION & EDITING MRP EDITORIAL Halifax Translation Services SALES MANAGERS: Biljana Dević, b.devic@aim.rs Nataša Trifunović, n.trifunovic@aim.rs Vesna Vukajlović, v.vukajlovic@aim.rs

36 37

OUR MAIN CONCERN IS STAFF SAFETY

ANDREJ BESLAĆ, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT MLEKOPRODUKT, PART OF THE SAVENCIA GROUP

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STEP INTO THE WORLD OF LUXURY REAL ESTATE

NENAD STOJANOVIĆ, DIRECTOR R.E.A.L. CONSULTING NEKRETNINE DOO

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CITY MADE FOR ETERNITY

47 50

LIBERTÉ, ÉGALITÉ, SENSUALITÉ!

ARCHITECTURE : PARISIAN AESTHETICS

ALAIN COUCHOT, PROJECT MANAGER, COLAS RAIL

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

SANJA IVANIĆ, DIRECTOR OF THE FRENCH-SERBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (CCI FRANCE SERBIE)

FRENCH ECONOMY

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DESIGNER: Jasmina Laković j.lakovic@aim.rs

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WINNING APPROACH

AMONG THE WORLD’S STRONGEST ECONOMIES

230TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE STORMING OF THE BASTILLE

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Miroslava Nešić-Bikić m.bikic@aim.rs

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TOP QUALITY IS OUR VISION

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

WE ARE EXPERTS IN WORK AT HEIGHT AND ADVANCED NDT

VESNA VELISAVLJEVIĆ, HR MANAGER & QUALITY REPRESENTATIVE, APAVE VERTECH

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FRENCH FASHION

COMPANY REGISTER

THE VALUE OF PARTNERSHIP

JEAN-BAPTISTE CUZIN, DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUT FRANÇAIS IN SERBIA

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

E-mail: office@aim.rs; office@cordmagazine.com www.aim.rs; www.cordmagazine.com

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No 13; ISSN: 2560-4465 All rights reserved alliance international media 2019

Published by: alliance international media Makenzijeva 67, 11111 Belgrade 17, PAK 126909, Serbia Phone: +(381 11) 2450 508 Fascimile:+(381 11) 2450 122

THIS PUBLICATION IS FREE OF CHARGE The views expressed in this publication are those of the presenter; they do not

necessary reflect the view of publications published by alliance international media

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COMMENT

OUR RELATIONS Run Deep And Wide

On the occasion of celebrations marking the 230th anniversary of the French revolution and 180 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and Serbia, thanks to the French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, the economic side of our mutual relations is becoming much more pronounced

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he French Revolution of 1789 stood for the ideas of liberty, equality and fraternity. The French Revolution had a major impact on Europe and the New World, and led to the disappearance of old physical, economic and intellectual barriers. It brought improved codes of law, a fair system of taxation, and greater religious and intellectual tolerance; it introduced human rights and freedom of thought and faith, leading to the rise of feminism and consequently sparking the freedom of the press. By stamping out internal tariffs and other economic restraints, it brought a better economic situation to many countries. By unifying weights and measures, it conveyed easier trade dealings. It also led to strong investments of the state in education and public works. Obviously, 230 years later, the long-term impact of the revolution is as profound as it was – it shaped politics and society, determined the place of religion and the church in society, and brought new ideas among intellectuals and in business cycles.

Serbia was one of many countries that felt the French impact, and many Serbian intellectuals and members of the elite of the time were eager to establish closer relations with France. Bilateral diplomatic relations were officially and formally established 180 years ago, but in reality these relations have an even deeper history.

The symbolic ceremony of 2019 took place in Kragujevac, which had been Serbia’s capital during the time diplomatic relations were established. Although Serbia hasn’t so far managed to bring one of the leading French automotive giants to the heart of

the country’s automotive industry, economic relations between the two countries have advanced significantly in the meantime.

After many years during which the trade exchange lagged far behind the quality of the two countries’ always good and brotherly diplomatic relations, this has started to change.

The key turning point was the signing of the EU Stabilisation and Association Agreement in 2010, which confirmed Serbia’s determination to join the European Union. The trade exchange has increased gradually since then, mirroring the rising presence of French investors in Serbia. French companies are today present in Serbia’s sectors of agriculture, machinery and metal industries, as well as in the IT sector. More than ever before, French companies are recognising Serbia’s potential and opting to invest here. There is also great interest among large corporations in publicprivate partnerships and concessions, as is the case with Suez, which will build the Belgrade Waste Treatment Centre, and Vinci Airports – the airport division of construction and concession company Vinci, which took over the management of Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport earlier this year.

The French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, which is currently celebrating the 10th anniversary of its establishment, has been playing an important role in bringing Serbia closer to French investors, supporting the smooth accommodating of French SMEs that are newcomers to the Serbian market, and fulfilling the needs of its long term members from both the French and Serbian sides.

After many years during which the trade exchange lagged far behind the quality of the two countries’ always good and brotherly diplomatic relations, this has started to change

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INTERVIEW

H.E. FRÉDÉRIC MONDOLONI, AMBASSADOR OF FRANCE

RENEWED DYNAMISM

Of French-Serbian Relations This visit of president Macron comes 18 years after President Chirac was the first foreign Head of State to visit Serbia after the democratic transition of 5th October 2000. Preparing this visit has already contributed to strengthening political ties between our two countries on topics of mutual interest – Frederic Mondoloni

the visit will be used to address all current issues, from political, economic and cultural, to reminders of the traditional alliance and friendship of the two nations that was affirmed during World War I.

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he month of July marks two important junctures in relations between France and Serbia. The first was supposed to be a Paris meeting between European leaders Emmanuel Macron and Angela Merkel with the presidents of Serbia and Kosovo. Despite great expectations that the French president and German chancellor would succeed in unblocking the dialogue on the normalisation of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, which had fallen into a deadlock after the decision of the Kosovo authorities to empose import duties on goods from Central Serbia, the meeting wasn’t held. In this interview for CorD Magazine, French Ambassador H.E. Frederic Mondoloni insists that the meeting has not been cancelled, but rather postponed, while he adds that the French and Germans are continuing to seek modalities for it to be held. On the other hand, much is expected of the visit of the French president to Serbia. The French ambassador confirms that

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Your Excellency, how do you comment on the fact that the long anticipated meeting in Paris, aimed at reviving the dialogue between the presidents of Serbia and Kosovo, was cancelled?

- The priority of France regarding the political situation of the Balkans is to ensure peace, stability and steady progress of the countries of this region towards the EU, with economic and social benefits for the population. In this regard, we would like to insist on the fact that the Paris meeting was not cancelled, but postponed to another date that is still to be determined. With our German partner, we hope this meeting will contribute to creating conditions for a dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, in support of the EU-facilitated process.

Can President Macron and Chancellor Merkel “save” the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, as was recently reported by the media?

- Only two parties can save the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina: it is precisely Belgrade and Pristina. France, Germany,

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the EU and other partners can provide contributions to make this work easier, but in the end no agreement will be possible without the strong political will of both parties. If France and Germany can play such a facilitating role, we will gladly provide this contribution.

You said in one of your statements to the media that France does not set “red lines” when it comes to dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina? Does this mean that the idea of border correction may be considered?

- Our position is clear: no solution to the issue of Kosovo can be adopted and implemented without the full agreement of both parties. This implies that both parties are able to obtain support from their public opinions as well. In this regard, France does not wish to set red lines before discussions start delving deep into the substance: if the parties manage to reach agreement, the international community must support that. However, although not setting red lines, France will not deliver blank cheques, as another very important concern for us is that the agreement that must be reached has to carry all precautionary measures in order to avoid adverse consequences for the rest of the region.

The current situation is such that Pristina is refusing to revoke tariffs on goods from central Serbia? How do you see the fact that Pristina is ignoring calls from the EU? - This is a situation I clearly regret: this tax represents a unilateral move by Pristina that is not constructive and which has resulted in halting the dialogue. In this regard, I reiterate France’s position – which is that this tax must be revoked, so that a constructive dialogue can restart and reach a compromised solution that’s satisfactory to both parties.

forgetting that many topics are also important, such as reforms on the rule of law, for example.

Does such a formulation mean that the opening of negotiating chapters in the future will depend on the continuation of the dialogue? What is the position of France?

- Opening chapters implies that Serbia is technically ready to do so – and I note that this is the case on a number of them. Then, opening chapters also implies improvements on the main issues identified by the previous EU progress reports from the past years – especially Kosovo and the rule of law. I will also point out that opening chapters is positive, but what is ultimately necessary is to close them – which implies active work to live up to the acquis.

In addition to the aforementioned, what are the most important notes from the European Commission’s annual progress report for Serbia, from your perspective?

- The EU progress report has pointed out Serbia’s positive results in the macroeconomic area: debt has been reduced significantly, both as public deficits and in terms of unemployment rates. These are really positive achievements, with a tangible impact for the Serbian population, and this deserves to be put forward.

The report also describes areas in which more action must be taken and in which tangible progress in practise needs to be reached. Here I’m referring to topics like media freedom, the fight against corruption and organised crime, improvement in the functioning of institutions (especially the national assembly).

We certainly don’t underestimate the difficulty of the task, and France stands ready to provide Serbia with any kind of support that could prove useful in these areas.

This visit of our President comes 18 years after President Chirac was the first foreign Head of State to visit Serbia after the democratic transition of 5th October 2000

The recently published European Commission progress report on Serbia recommands “urgent” progress towards a legally-binding agreement between Belgrade and Pristina. Such an agreement is seen as “crucial” for the continuous progress of Serbia on the path to EU accession. Do you think it is realistic to expect such an agreement soon?

- The sooner the conditions will be created for dialogue, the sooner this process will restart. And the sooner dialogue restarts, the sooner we may see an agreement reached between Belgrade and Pristina. This issue is indeed important for Serbia’s EU accession, but – however important – it must not result in

Does EU enlargement remain on the agenda of European leaders following May’s European Parliament elections? What will be the position of French MEPs, first of all those who come from President Macron’s movement, who significantly enhanced the ALDE parliamentary group?

- France has a coherent position on enlargement: we wish for EU reforms to make its own internal functioning more robust, before opening its doors to new member states. I know this was sometimes presented as “closing the doors” to candidate countries, while it is in fact the opposite: carrying out the reform process in the 9

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candidate states (including Serbia) will still take time regarding the complexity of several reforms. Serbia must continue its efforts to reform: this process will come in parallel with the reform of the EU and, if Serbia is fast enough, this will allow its accession at the same time as the completion of the reform of the EU. I also insist on another aspect: a fully reformed EU will be better prepared to welcome Serbia, which will be beneficial to both parties.

The protests of the yellow vests movement postponed the visit of President Macron to Serbia last year. What do you expect from the visit, which has been scheduled for 16th July?

- This visit of our President comes 18 years after President Chirac was the first foreign Head of State to visit Serbia after the democratic transition of 5th October 2000. Preparing this visit has already contributed to strengthening political ties between our two countries on topics of mutual interest. This visit illustrates the importance of Serbia to France and the renewed dynamism of French-Serbian relations. It will surely represent a strong basis for further developing our relations in the future, in the political, economic and cultural areas – especially thanks to the signing of a number of contracts and agreements.

ties – as EGIS already realised the pre-feasibility study. We hope that this Presidential visit will be a way to further deepen our cooperation on this project.

You said that you were unpleasantly surprised by the reaction of some media to the fire at the historical Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. How did you understand the government’s decision to help the renovation of this significant monument?

- I make a clear distinction between some negative comments, which came from a limited number of outlets well-known for this kind of behaviour, and the vast majority of the Serbian population expressing sympathy for France and the French people. I could quote dozens of kind messages we received from Serbian citizens expressing sorrow after this terrible fire. In this regard, I think the Serbian authorities reflected both this feeling in the population and the shared willingness to bring our two countries ever closer together. I would like to use this opportunity to, once again, thank the Serbian authorities and the Serbian people for this contribution to the restoration of Notre-Dame. I know this is a significant effort for Serbia and I will also note that Serbia was the very first State in the world to make such a donation. This, I think, is a very positive message regarding our willingness to make our relations increasingly robust.

Opening chapters also implies improvements on the main issues identified by the previous EU progress reports from the past years – especially Kosovo and the rule of law. I will also point out that opening chapters is positive, but what is ultimately necessary is to close them – which implies active work to live up to the acquis

In addition to the aforementioned political topics, what will be on the agenda of the visit?

- The visit will represent a great occasion to address the main bilateral and regional political topics, as you rightly point out.

But it will also be a landmark event for our economic relations: after major French investors arrived in 2017-2018, like Suez or Vinci, the two Presidents will discuss ways to further deepen economic relations, attract more French investors and sign new contracts – here I have in mind investments like the Belgrade metro system, which France has been working on for several years, or contracts in the fields of defence and energy, for example. Furthermore, the visit will be an occasion to address the cultural aspects of our relations. We will celebrate the memory of our friendship in arms in the First World War in 1918, with the inauguration of the Monument to France, but we will also sign a number of agreements in the fields of sport, education and arts.

How likely is it that, during President Macron’s visit, a decision could be taken on whether French companies will build a metro in Belgrade, as was recently stated by the Serbian finance minister?

- As you know, France has been very active on this topic for a number of years. It was mentioned in the Strategic Partnership Agreement signed in 2011. The French companies involved have significant experience in carrying out this kind of project and are perfectly able to meet the requirements of the Serbian authori10

After celebrating the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I and the misunderstanding in the protocol for the President of Serbia, for which you apologised publicly, and after inappropriate comments from part of the public following the accident in Paris, what would you say today about the state of relations between Serbia and France?

- I regret that such an incident took place. France had been working for more than 18 months to prepare the celebration of this centenary, both in Paris and Belgrade: we know what price was paid

by Serbia in the First World War and that Serbia was also one of our closest allies during this difficult period of our history. In this regard, I understand why many people had such a negative feeling about this mistake in protocol. However, we are now working on the preparation of the Presidential visit in Belgrade, in a context in which we celebrate both the centenary of the end of World War I and the 180th anniversary of the re-establishment of our diplomatic relations. I say “re-establishment” because these relations first existed in the Middle Ages: only a very small number of states can boast of having such an old and rich joint history. This coming presidential visit will then be a way to illustrate our willingness to build on this past friendship to create a future of which we could also be proud. This is our task, to work to bolster our relations, and we are determined to carry it out.

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230

th

Anniversary Of The Storming Of The Bastille

THE ENLIGHTENMENT IDEALS CREATED A GOVERNMENT THAT HAD EQUAL REPRESENTATION AND FREE SPEECH

Start Of Europe's

MODERN ERA I

Beginning in 1789, the French Revolution impacted on every aspect of France and much of Europe, which is why it is often referred to as the start of the modern era. The ideals of the French Revolution paved the way for the acceptance of many Enlightenment ideas. After all, it was the first application of Enlightenment philosophy in an Old World government 12

t was on 14th July 1789 that a crowd of several thousand people laid siege to the Bastille, a royal fortress on the eastern periphery of Paris. The Bastille had served as a royal armoury and a prison, though on this particular day it held few prisoners and was only lightly guarded. After a stand-off that lasted into the afternoon, the crowd stormed the Bastille, overwhelmed its guards and arrested and murdered its governor.

The fortress was claimed by the people and later demolished at the order of the new Paris Commune. The capture of the Bastille was chiefly a symbolic victory: the French Revolution would have days of greater political significance. Yet the events of 14th July have become one of the defining moments of European history.

The storming of the Bastille has shaped our perceptions of the French Revolution, giving us powerful images of an outraged

people who took up arms against a symbol of oppression.

The real history of the Bastille is more mundane than its legend. The Bastille began life as a fortress, built in the mid to late 1300s to house a garrison of royal soldiers belonging to Charles V. The fortress and its garrison were installed to protect the eastern flanks of Paris from English raiders during the Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453). By the early 1400s, the fortress had been expanded to become one of the largest structures in Paris, with its crenellated walls standing some 25 metres above the streets.

Its tower loomed over Faubourg Saint-Antoine, a working-class district known for its rowdiness and occasional defiance. A contingent of royal troops was permanently housed there, both to defend the city walls and to maintain order within them. Over time, the building acquired the name Bastille, a generic French term for any fortress at the gate of a city.

By the reign of Louis XI (1461-1483), the Bastille had become a royal prison. It continued this function until the French Revolution, though by the late 1700s there were rarely more than 20 or 30 prisoners housed there. The majority of those detained in the Bastille were not common criminals, but political prisoners or men held at the king’s pleasure. They tended to be rebellious or troublesome noblemen, aristocrats with large gambling debts, rogues caught in affairs with the wives of powerful men, religious heretics or critics of the church, seditious journalists and political pornographers. Some inmates were detained there by the courts, others by royal lettres de cachet. Several notable rd philosophers and revolutionary figures spent time in the Bastille, including Voltaire (twice), Denis Diderot, Jacques Brissot, playwright Pierre Beaumarchais, pornographer Marquis de Sade and military commander Charles Dumouriez. Indeed, a stint in the Bastille was useful for establishing one’s credentials as a writer or an intellectual. The Enlightenment economist André Morellet was detained there for slandering a princess, later writing “Once persecuted, I would be better known… those six months in the Bastille would be an excellent recommendation and infallibly make my fortune”.

On the eve of the revolution, the Bastille held very few prisoners. The frequency of lettres de cachet had declined through the 1780s – though Louis XVI‘s use of them against two magistrates of the Paris parlement (August 1787) and the Duke of Orleans (November 1787) triggered a wave of outrage.

The parlement itself issued a strongly worded remonstrance, criticising the king’s use of arbitrary power. The Paris press seethed about Louis’ actions, while writers like Honore Mirabeau

and Emmanuel Sieyès condemned the lettres de cachet as an instrument of absolutist oppression. Sending rogues, fornicators and philanderers to the Bastille was one thing – but detaining magistrates for upholding the law and the general will was an act of tyranny. In the eyes of the people, the Bastille fortress was a physical manifestation of this tyranny, even if its symbolism outweighed its actual importance.

The attack on the Bastille followed a tumultuous six months.

At Versailles, representatives of the Third Estate had defied the king to demand a constitution and form a national assembly.

230YEARS

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France looked to be transitioning toward a constitutional monarchy, though many doubted that the royal government would yield its power so easily. In Paris, the working classes had endured months of bread shortages and high prices. The cost of bread peaked at 14.5 sous per loaf in February; it eased slightly during the spring, but had returned to those levels by mid-July.

Most Parisians were now spending at least three-quarters of their daily income to buy bread. Louis XVI then made the first of two fateful decisions.

Sometime around 4th July, the king – probably at the advice of conservative ministers – ordered the assembling of royal troops at several critical locations: Versailles, Sèvres, the Champ de Mars in south-west Paris and at Saint-Denis in the city’s north. Even those not given to suspicion could not miss the significance of this order: it appeared the king was planning to impose martial law to regain his power.

If there was any doubt, it was dispelled on 11th July, when Louis dismissed his popular finance minister, Jacques Necker, and replaced him with arch-conservative Joseph-François Foullon. Necker’s dismissal triggered several days of insurrection in Paris. On 12th July a crowd of several thousand people gathered outside the Palais-Royal. They marched to the Tuileries, demanding Necker’s reinstatement. At the Tuileries they were forced to scatter by a royal cavalry regiment, an incident later depicted

The French Revolution of 1789 is one of the most important events in both French and European history. It marks the rise of the 3 class after centuries of paying high taxes to the King

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as an intentional attack on harmless civilians. The city’s military garrison, the French Guard, was called out to restore order, but its soldiers refused to open fire on the people; in fact, many Guardsmen broke ranks and joined the insurrectionists. Royal officials were attacked or chased out of the city and 40 of the government’s 54 customs posts were looted and destroyed.

The people of Paris also spent 12th and 13th July gathering arms, in order to defend the city from an anticipated Royalist assault.

Gun shops, small armouries and private collections were looted.

July are complex and confused. At first, the crowd seemed hopeful that De Launay, like the officers at the Invalides, would relent and simply grant them access to the Bastille’s stores. But De Launay was not the compromising sort, plus he had received official orders from the Hôtel de Ville to hold the Bastille at any cost.

Between late morning and mid-afternoon, the governor received deputations from the crowd. They pleaded with him to withdraw the fortress’s 18 cannons, pointed threateningly at the suburbs below, and to surrender the Bastille’s gunpowder to the people.

De Launay agreed to the first, but not the second. At around 1.30pm a small group gained access to the Bastille courtyard through a half raised drawbridge. Fearing a full-scale attack, the governor ordered his soldiers fire on the invaders. It was a fatal miscalculation that would cost De Launay his life.

Hearing the garrison had opened fire on the people, crowds around the fortress swelled and for three hours the Bastille was under siege. Two detachments of the French Guard defected and joined the people. The crowd was unable to operate the artillery pieces stolen from the Invalides, so the involvement of mutinous soldiers was critical. By late afternoon the fortress was coming under cannon fire, much of it targeting the drawbridge.

Convinced the situation was hopeless and fearing they would be slaughtered, De Launay’s officers urged him to surrender.

He first tried bluff, threatening to ignite the gunpowder stores and blow much of eastern Paris to oblivion. When this did not work, De Launay surrendered the fortress at around five o’clock. A large contingent then stormed the Bastille, arrested De Launay, fraternised with his soldiers and released the prisoners (there were seven in total, four of them counterfeiters). Those who entered the fortress – just under 1,000 in total – were later honoured with the title Vainqueurs de la Bastille (‘Vanquishers of the Bastille’).

Leaders ordered De Launay be taken to the town hall to stand trial, however, on the way he was seized by the crowd, choked and murdered. The cause of De Launay’s death is in dispute.

The most popular account suggests that he was stabbed and beheaded by an unemployed baker wielding a small bread knife.

The French Revolution of 1789 is an important landmark in the history of Europe. It was the first great uprising of the people against the autocracy of a ruler. It generated ideas of liberty, equality and fraternity which crossed the boundaries of France and influenced the whole of Europe.

The revolution not only changed the political, social and economic life of the people, but also impacted on the entire course of world history.

The revolution not only changed the political, social and economic life of the people, but also impacted on the entire course of world history

On the morning of 14th July, a crowd of several thousand people marched on the Hôtel des Invalides in western Paris.

Though used chiefly as a military infirmary, the Invalides had a large store of rifles and several small artillery pieces in its basement. The mob entered the building and looted these weapons, while officers of nearby military regiments refused to intervene. The invaders made off with around 30,000 rifles, but found little gunpowder or shot with which to load them. The solution came from deserting guardsmen, who reported that 250 barrels of gunpowder had recently been stored at the Bastille.

The crowd set off on a two-and-a-half mile march to the fortress, hauling several small cannons. They arrived at around 11am and formed deputations to speak with the Marquis de Launay, the Bastille’s governor. De Launay was a colonel with a clean but unremarkable military record. He was an authoritarian who was disliked by his prisoners and soldiers alike (one chronicler later described him as a “proud and stupid despot”). In the colonel’s favour, he knew the Bastille well; his father had also been its governor and De Launay himself had been born within its walls.

The fortress was lightly guarded by around 120 soldiers, most old or infirm – however, the Bastille’s strong high walls and its numerous artillery pieces made it almost unassailable, even for a crowd of several thousand people.

Details of what actually transpired on the afternoon of 14th 14

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INTERVIEW

AMBASSADOR BOJANA ADAMOVIĆ DRAGOVIĆ, HEAD OF DEPARTMENT FOR EUROPE, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

The Past Inspires

RENEWED ALLIANCE We expect the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to provide an additional stimulus to greater intensity in all forms of bilateral cooperation, and also to encourage joint action in addressing global challenges, from the threats of terrorism to climate change. France will have a responsible and reliable partner in both of these areas in Serbia the Ottoman Empire. The first Serbian constitution, adopted on the holiday of Sretenje (Candlemas) in 1835, established the rights of citizens and the organisation of the state in a way that was inspired by the achievements of the French Revolution and the ideas of the enlightenment. These values still form the basis of order in the Serbian state and society.

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erbia places great importance on the forthcoming visit of French President Emmanuel Macron, when the comprehensive dialogue between the two countries at the highest level, initialised during the official visit of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to France in September 2016, will be continued, says Ambassador Bojana Adamović Dragović, Head of the Europe Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia. In this interview with our diplomat, we examined the present juncture in the two countries’ bilateral relations in light of the great anniversaries that the world and our countries are celebrating this year - 230 years since the French Revolution and 180 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and Serbia.

To what extent are the values of the French Revolution rooted in the foundations of Serbian society?

- The French Revolution is an event that changed the history of the modern world and influenced the development of the modern Serbian state to a great extent. The struggle for the national liberation of the Serbian people was at the same time a struggle for the abolition of the feudal order characteristic of

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What are the key events that have marked the development of diplomatic relations between France and Serbia over the last 180 years?

- Although modern diplomatic relations were established 180 years ago, relations between the two countries and two peoples have far deeper roots. It is sufficient to mention that Serbian king Stefan Uroš I Nemanjić was married to Helen of Anjou, who is thought to have been a relative of French King Louis IX, while the first official document of modern relations was a letter sent by Karađorđe to Napoleon. After the restoration of Serbian statehood in the 19th century, France positioned itself as one of Serbia’s most important allies and friends. French envoy Baron de Bois-le-Comte participated in the drafting of the first Serbian constitution. On 20th March 1839, Consul Andre Duclos made his first official visit to Serbia, and from that point on began the development of a relationship that continues to this day.

How much did the values of the French Revolution contribute to the interest of the Serbian intellectual elite to connect with French culture and intellectuals, and are these relations alive and strong today?

- Since the first half of the 19th century, the Serbian intellectual

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elite has formed itself under enormous French influence.

During that period, many Serbian students were educated in France, including future Serbian kings Milan Obrenović and Petar I Karađorđević. Their education and the ideas they encountered there had inestimable importance for the development and shaping of Serbian society and its institutions. During the Great War, more than 3,000 young Serbs were enrolled in education in France at the invitation of the French Government. In this way, a new intellectual elite was formed, which enabled Serbian society to overcome the horrific consequences of the war.

Strong links have always existed in art and literary circles.

In the years immediately after World War I, in parallel with events on the Parisian cultural scene, there was an group of Serbian surrealist artists in Belgrade that consisted largely of students trained in France. During the 1960s and ‘70s, many prominent Serbian painters and writers, such as Vlada Veličković, Ljuba Popović, Petar Omčikus, Danilo Kiš and others, lived in France and left a significant mark on both Serbian and French culture.

What characterises bilateral relations between Serbia and France today?

- Serbia and France seek to fully strengthen and improve relations, in both political and economic terms. In 2011, the two countries signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement aimed at encouraging cooperation in the fields of defence, the economy, culture, science and education, and in the process of Serbia’s EU accession. At this point there is a high degree of mutual understanding, with a willingness to resolve the issues being discussed, through a regular political dialogue. Relations between Serbia and France are today characterised by intense political dialogue, both at the highest level and in practise, in the strong development of economic relations, in strengthening cultural ties and in cooperation with international organisations and bodies. Such relations are an expression of the respect for historical ties and of a mutual readiness to further develop and strengthen them for the benefit of our countries and nations.

- France plays a key role in the process of reforming the European Union and its positioning globally. Serbia is grateful for the current French support in the process of European integration, which is our main foreign policy orientation. We expect this support to continue with the same intensity, as we believe that the processes of consolidation, EU reforms and the enlargement process are complementary and can take place at the same time. On the other hand, Serbia will continue to reform and strive to attain European standards, not only because of the formal achievement of EU membership, but because of our essential determination to follow the European values and benefits that this will bring to our society as a whole.

Relationships established during war alliances are a permanent basis for building future relationships and a foundation of friendship that can tackle the challenges that have been thrust before our two nations by the latest historical events

In view of France’s special attitude to the pace of accession of the Western Balkan countries, how do you see France‘s role in encouraging Serbia’s European integration?

How important are stronger economic relations and the dedicated work of the French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce for improving the quality of relations between the two countries?

- France is among the most important economic partners of Serbia, but we believe that not all possibilities have been exploited and that there is plenty of room for further development in that domain. Bilateral trade grew last year at 6.6% to reach 1.1 billion euros, while the value of French investment was over 900 million euros. About 100 French companies employ over 11,000 people in Serbia and there is great interest in growing cooperation in many areas. Linking businesspeople through different forms of association is very important, because it contributes to recognising common interests and creating a new space and cooperation initiatives, and the activities of the French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce are certainly a successful example of such activities.

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BUSINESS

PRISCILIA DUBOCAGE, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF TOTAL HUB BALKANS (SERBIA, SLOVENIA AND CROATIA)

Total Is A

TOP-RANKING PLAYER Total is among the world's four most successful oil companies, with operations in more than 130 countries. Total has been present in Serbia since 2010, when the company choose to invest in the Balkan region, including Serbia. The representative of this French oil company for the Serbian market guarantees the quality of its products

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Tell us more about the future plans and strategy of the Total Group for the Balkan region?

- Total believes in being close to its customers. By having a direct presence in Serbia, we can develop an even better understanding of our Serbian customer’s needs and better serve them. If we add to that the market potential and the increasing trend that sees us all seeking high-quality Ms. Dubocage, where were you born and grew up? How products, Total opening a company in Serbia was a natural did your education and career deoutcome. Among the world’s major oil brands, Total is the only one that is velop prior to you becoming Total’s This community is also in Serbia directly, and we ensure managing director for Serbia, Sloveour home, which is why we feel present that our customers receive the service, nia and Croatia? the need to support it in quality and reliability of our wide range - I was born and raised in France. I hold of products with the right support in a master’s degree in Combustion, Polluevery possible way this fast moving technological and tion and Environmental Risks, which led economical environment. me to work at several international companies, culminating The Serbian economy and industry recognise the quality in an international auditing firm prior to me joining the Total of our products and services, as well as their affordability, Group in 2000. which enables us to cooperate with many factories and I came to Total HUB Balkans from Total Kenya, where I manufacturers in Serbia. held the position of Network Manager, with a portfolio of Of course, our goal is to grow; to spread high-quality 200 filling stations. Before that, from 2014 to 2017, I was products and improve cooperation with the local economy based in France as a regional sales manager. otal’s ambition is to produce the energy that the world needs, and for that energy to be affordable, reliable and clean. This global vision, coupled with interdisciplinary expertise, allows us to work towards a responsible energy future and to achieve great success, says Total HUB Balkans managing director Priscilia Dubocage.

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in Serbia to our mutual satisfaction. We believe that we’ll continue to invest and grow on the Serbian market, which is already experiencing a growth trend, especially in the automotive, heavy industry and heavy duty segments.

What are the Total projects that strengthened its position in the region?

- We are implementing our premium Total Quartz Auto Service network across the whole region, and it is growing rapidly. Through it we provide high-quality services to our final customers. TQAS is a concept of premium branded garages at which our customers are able to receive the same level of service and products as available anywhere in the world. Another project we’ve launched this year is the Rubia Roadshow, which sees our truck visiting many cities in the region to meet our logistics partners and customers. Both of these projects have provided us with the possibility to get close to our final customers, to help them fulfil their everyday needs, and to educate them on diverse topics related to their vehicles.

control of exhaust fumes has become an essential element in satisfying regulatory changes designed to safeguard the environment. TOTAL Lubricants teamed up very early with other stakeholders in dedicating large-scale research and development resources to the initiative, which has resulted, for example, in the widest range of Low SAPS lubricants available on the market today.

Total is a top-ranking player in the field of Fuel Economy lubricants. In fact, we’ve already been developing and marketing this type of lubricant for more than 15 years. Backed by that strategy, Total Lubricants Activity is now positioned

Total Serbia d.o.o. (Ltd.) also stands out due to its socially responsible business conduct. Tell us more about the CSR projects you’ve already completed. as one of the world’s leaders in Fuel - We completed a campaign called “On Economy, with the widest range on the Our customers, drivers of the road to children’s safety in traffic”, market and performance characterisFuel Economy lubricants, which has been implemented over the tics validated by manufacturers and by past three years in Serbia and, as of last the Total EcoSolution label. are our main partners in year, in Croatia as well, and which aims Using TOTAL Fuel Economy lubrienvironmental protection to raise awareness of the importance cants also means making a positive and pollution reduction of behaving safely in traffic. With the gesture for the environment. By improvhelp of a team of experts from the field ing engine performance, FE lubricants of education and traffic safety, we developed an “edutainalso reduce fuel consumption appreciably. And ecology rhymes with economy, so this is also the commitment to ment” programme tailored to the needs of children of early Fuel Economy products. school age. Finally, the importance of this project has been recognised by Total, which rewarded it with 1st place in the Group’s internal Europe Innovation Competition, and by the What do you consider as your company’s greatest success?

French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, which awarded it - In my opinion, the greatest success of our company is the Grand Prix 2018 award. the close relationship we’re able to establish with people, with our customers, by having the goal of being perceived as “the A brand lubricant manufacturer”, at the service of, Total’s lubricants don’t only enable fuel savings and betand accessible to, everyone. Our employees around the ter engine performance – they also protect the environworld embody our commitment to better energy every ment. Tell us more about Total’s environmentally friendday, while relying on cutting-edge expertise that spans the ly solutions programme. entire energy chain. In order for people to be motivated - Ecological issues related to global warming, and more when going to work every day, they need a goal that gives general efforts to control pollution, have caused an unmeaning to their actions. precedented revolution in the automotive industry. The 19

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FRANÇOIS DUCLOS IN SERBIA (1839)

180

th

By Maxime Reynaud

Anniversary Of The Re-Establishment Of French-Serbian Diplomatic Relations

ALEKSANDAR VUČIĆ AND EMMANUEL MACRON

Unforgettable

HISTORY H

The year 2019 marks the 180th anniversary of the re-establishment of French-Serbian diplomatic relations, with the opening of the first French diplomatic office in Belgrade in 1839

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owever, 1839 only saw France and Serbia renew relations that were actually first established as far back as the 13th century. King Uros I of Serbia (1223-1276) created the first political ties with France by marrying Saint Helen of Anjou (1245), making possible the first diplomatic rapprochement with France (1255), and concluding the first Serbian-French military alliance (1273). Uros II Milutin, son of Uros I, renewed this French-Serbian military alliance in 1308 (see box 2).

Legend has it that in 1389, when news of the Battle of

180YEARS

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Legend has it that in 1389, when news of the Battle of Kosovo reached Paris, King Charles VI ordered the bells of Notre Dame ring for a full day in celebration of the Serbs’ heroic battle

NOTRE-DAME, BOGDAN ŠUPUT

Kosovo reached Paris, King Charles VI ordered the bells of Notre-Dame ring for a full day in celebration of the Serbs’ heroic battle. However, back in the 14th century, Serbia and France were both fighting for their survival: Serbia against the Ottoman expansion; France against England in the Hundred Years War. Their relations thus faded from significance, preventing the resumption of diplomatic ties until the 19th century.

The revival of the Serbian national consciousness was accelerated in the 18th century, with the impact of the French Revolution (1789-1799) and the Napoleonic era (1799-1815). The Serbian Uprising of 1804, led by Karađorđe, enabled the creation of the first government and the securing of autonomy (1812).

From 1809 to 1814, the east coast of the Adriatic was annexed to France as “Illyrian Provinces”, which established contacts between France and areas populated by Serbs. A few Serbs even served in the Illyrian Regiment of Napoleon’s Great Army!

Commercial relations between France and Serbia were established in the period from 1820 to 1830, when French Romantic writers also became extremely interested in the Serbian struggle for independence: Prosper de Mérimée (La Guzla, 1827), Louise Belloc (Serbian Popular Poetry, 1827), Elise Voïart (Popular Songs of the Serbs, 1834), Stendhal (Memories of a Tourist, 1837) and – above all – Alphonse de Lamartine (Journey in the Orient, 1835).

As the first French writer to visit Serbia, Lamartine was shocked by the infamous Skull Tower, erected in Niš by the Ottomans. He wrote about it: “May they [the Serbs] leave this monument untouched! It will

KING UROŠ I

teach their children what a people’s independence is worth, by showing to them the price their fathers paid for it”.

French diplomacy also had growing interest in Serbia. The 1829 Treaty of Adrianople confirmed Serbia’s autonomy and enabled the adoption of the country’s first constitutions (1835 and 1838). The French consulate in Jassi (Romania) and the Embassy in Constantinople encouraged the French authorities to establish official relations with Serbia. France was then ruled

by King Louis Philippe I (1830-1848), whose government was headed by Count Louis-Mathieu de Molé (1836-1839). It was on 6th November 1838 that Count Molé signed an executive order creating the “French Consular Agency” in Serbia, then – on 29th November – François Duclos was appointed at its head.

Duclos reached Constantinople on 16th January 1839. His credentials were delivered by the French Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, Admiral Albin Roussin – a hero of Napoleon’s navy, while Duclos also met with the Serbian delegation that had just negotiated the approval of the Constitution of 1838 with the Ottoman authorities. He left for Serbia on 21st February, arriving in Niš a few days later. Like Lamartine before 21

180YEARS

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French diplomacy had growing interest in Serbia.

The 1829 Treaty of Adrianople confirmed Serbia’s autonomy and enabled the adoption of the country’s first constitutions (1835 and 1838) him, Duclos also seems to have been shocked by the Skull Tower… He officially presented his credentials to Prince Miloš Obrenović on 19th March 1839, thus formally re-establishing French-Serbian diplomatic relations.

Duclos arrived in Belgrade on 23 rd March 1839, when Prince Miloš allowed him to take up temporary residence at his Belgrade royal residence, known as Milošev Konak [Miloš’s Residence], while he took the time necessary to identify a building where he could open the French Consular Agency.

This proved to be a very difficult task, due to the city having suffered extensive damage in the wars of 1804 to 1817.

Duclos worked on this task up until May 1839, when he had to welcome to Belgrade the Count of Chambord, grandson of King Charles X, and to arrange a meeting with Prince Miloš.

Although this visit was not official (the Count of Chambord belonged to the royal family, which had been expelled from power by Louis-Philippe I in 1830), it can be considered the first delegation from France that was welcomed by a French diplomat in Belgrade. Duclos’s primary task, from June 1839 onwards, was to monitor and report to the French authorities about the growing tension between the Prince and the Senate, which culminated in the July 1839 abdication of the Prince.

In the spring of 1839, the new Head of the French Government, Jean-de-Dieu Soult, a former marshal of Napoleon’s

PRINCE MILOŠ OBRENOVIĆ

forces, understood Serbia’s growing importance in Southeast Europe. He decided to upgrade France’s representation in Belgrade, which led to the consular agency becoming a full consulate on 8th July 1839. Achille de Codrika was appointed at its head, succeeding François Duclos on 30th September.

The consulate was ultimately upgraded to an embassy in 1879, following the recognising of Serbia’s independence at the Congress of Berlin (July 1878). François Duclos, the man responsible for re-establishing French-Serbian diplomatic relations, actually only spent seven months resident in Serbia.

However, the bilateral diplomatic relations of today still rest on his seven months of hectic activity in Belgrade.

NOTRE-DAME OF PARIS, A THREAD IN THE SERBIAN-FRENCH HISTORY Fire ravaged Paris’s famous Notre-Dame Cathedral on 15th April 2019, triggering global sadness. Serbia was the very first country to offer financial support for its reconstruction (€1 million): this gesture, for which the French Embassy expresses its gratitude to Serbia and the Serbian people, also served as a reminder that Notre-Dame has held a key role in French-Serbian history since the Middle Ages.

In 1255, king Louis IX agreed the first diplomatic rapprochement between France and Serbia from the Palais de la Citée – the royal residence – located in front of Notre-Dame, which witnessed this event. Legend has it that the bells of Notre-Dame rang out for a whole day in celebration of the Serbs Christian combatants in the in 1389 Battle of Kosovo – this story was first recounted by King Petar I of Serbia during his 1911 visit to Paris, when he recognised Notre-Dame’s role in French-Serbian history. Serbian officers also attended a 1919 mass at Notre-Dame commemorating the victory of World War I and honouring the Allied victims of the conflict.

Prominent Serbian artists were also inspired by Notre-Dame in the 20th century. Lazar Drljača (1882-1962) painted the cathedral during his period resident in Paris (1911-1914). In the 1930s, two members of the so-called ‘Group of 10’ painted overviews of Notre-Dame: the one by Peđa Milosavljević (1908-1987) may have inspired the other, by his friend Bogdan Suput (1914-1942) – which is now displayed in the National Museum in Belgrade. In 1892, actress Vela Nigrinova had one her greatest successes by playing the role of Esmeralda in the play “Notre-Dame de Paris”, based on the famous novel by Victor Hugo. Notre-Dame today ranks among the most popular sites for the 30,000 Serbian tourists who visit Paris annually.

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DEJAN MARKOVIĆ, CEO, SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC SRBIJA D.O.O.

BUSINESS

Serbia Is A Promising COUNTRY FOR DOING BUSINESS Traditionally friendly nations of Serbia and France have, over the course of many years, succeeded in building and strengthening economic ties that date back to the time when Serbia and France established official diplomatic relations in 1879, immediately following the Congress of Berlin

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rance is estimated as the seventh ranked country in terms of investments in Serbia, and Dejan Marković, CEO of Schneider Electric for Serbia and Montenegro, encourages future investors, stating that Serbia is the right place for future French investments. trend, but rather a strategy of companies that adapt to the needs of Schneider Electric has been present in Serbia for 22 years and users. Our solutions are applied in all segments of life, from smart is among the most successful French companies in the councities and smart power distribution networks, to data centres and try. Does this mean that Serbia is a good place to do business? industry. Our research has also revealed the fact that, thanks to - Serbia is a good and promising country for doing business, which the digital transformation of operations, energy savings range was also confirmed when French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce from 20 to 80 per cent, while the investment pays for itself in was established in 2009 as an incentive for further French investthree years. All this indicates that digitalisation is an essential ments. The Chamber includes more than 80 French companies that and cost-effective investment. are currently operating in Serbia. We are recognised on the world market as a leader of digital transformation in energy manageYour development centre in Novi Sad, Schneider Electric DMS ment and automation and we also apply this successful business NS, is one of the four centres around the world for the research, model in Serbia. Our strategic commitment is to work with local development and production of software for the optimal distripartners, and in this way – through the introduction of innovations bution of electricity. Tell us more about your ADMS software. and equipment – we contribute to the local - The software that’s produced in Serbia is economy and entrepreneurship. Together part of a complex mosaic with all related We have achieved to create with our partners, we have more than 3,000 ADMS software that has been products included in its support. We have employees, and our satisfaction with the loachieved to create ADMS software that cal market was confirmed in 2012, when the proclaimed by Gartner - USA as the has been proclaimed by Gartner - USA as Schneider Electric DMS NS development best software in its category for the best software in its category for the centre opened in Novi Sad. last eight years. It is produced in Novi Sad the last eight years

by Schneider Electric DMS NS and installed You are known as leaders in integrated solutions and as a comin 136 control centres of 54 electricity distribution systems that pany that also leads the way in introducing innovations. In which serve over 75 million users on six continents. This is an integrated areas are they applied the most? software solution for the management of electricity distribution - Schneider Electric is a leader in digital transformation, energy systems using renewable energy sources. We believe that we will management and automation, and we offer the best for our clients succeed in creating conditions required for Serbia to become a with our solutions in all segments. Digitalisation is happening all world centre for the production of specialised software for Smart around us at an unstoppable speed. This is not just a technological Grids and management of distribution networks.

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INTERVIEW

DRAGOLJUB DAMLJANOVIĆ, PRESIDENT OF THE FRENCH-SERBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (CCI FRANCE SERBIE)

President Macron's Visit Is Wind In

THE SAILS OF FRENCHSERBIAN COOPERATION

Economic cooperation between France and Serbia is irrefutably strengthening each year, and this year's arrival of French President Emmanuel Macron will further strengthen French-Serbian links. The Chamber will continue, as it has to date, to work in order to increase France'seconomic presence - not only in Serbia,but throughout the region

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he French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, which is this year celebrating its 10th anniversary, has taken on the important role of familiarising French companies that don’t operate in this region with its potential, and of acquainting the French business community with the possibilities of investing in Serbia.

“We were established precisely with the goal of working to strengthen bilateral ties, especially economic ones,” says Dragoljub Damljanović, President of the French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce.

The French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce provides its members with a large number of events of varying formats, as they represent the most fertile ground for the networking of companies and establishing of business cooperation. “On

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the other hand,” explains our interlocutor, “we also provide services to French companies that are not yet present on the Serbian market, and I think that our contribution there is particularly valuable. Specifically, over the course of these 10 years, we’ve used different methods to address a problem that’s still relevant, and that’s the non-existing or relatively poor image of Serbia in France and the very weak promoting of Serbia’s potential in France. We have participated, and continue to participate, in numerous B2B meetings in various French regions, and we’ve also worked with hundreds of French companies. We also try to organise multiple visits to Serbia several times a year, whether that be delegations of French businesspeople, individual companies or regional chambers. And that’s where our contribution can best be quantified.”

What is the profile of the CCIFS like today? Where is its place in Serbian society, among its members and in the milieu of other mixed chambers that operate in Serbia?

- The French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce is today a proactive business institution that gathers together more than 120 member companies, both French and Serbian. This is a business organisation that provides its members and partners with more than 40 events annually, and which seeks to secure high-quality and useful events of various formats (training courses, conferences, round-tables, networking events, business receptions, meetings among members, exclusive events etc.), and which has a reputation as a dynamic chamber focused on its members.

I believe that we’re among the most active and most innovative chambers in Serbia, and that’s what we’re told by our members on a daily basis. In that sense, by listening to the desires of members, as this year we decided to also open up membership to other companies, not only French and Serbian.

Cooperation with other bilateral business associations is something that we’ve nurture since the first day. It was on the basis of our initiative, seven years ago, that inter-chamber ‘Speed Business Meetings’ were launched in Serbia, and to this day they remain among the favourite activities of all chambers, as well as the first gatherings of the chambers of European countries. Through exchanges of experience, chambers can learn a lot from one another, and we will advocate for the further intensifying of our cooperation.

presence in Serbia and cooperation between the two countries’ economies?

- This brochure, which we published late last year following confirmation of President Macron’s upcoming visit, aimed to present the economic presence of French companies through sector-specific reviews. In it one can see that French companies in the agriculture, machinery and metal industries, as well as the IT sector, recognise the potential of Serbia and opt to invest here. This publication also highlights the great interest of major corporations in public-private partnerships and concessions, as is the case with Suez, which will build the Belgrade Waste Treatment Centre, and with Vinci Airports, which took over a concession for the Belgrade airport. Economic cooperation is irrefutably growing each year, and President Macron’s arrival in July this year will further strengthen French-Serbian links.

To what extent have the major French investments that we’ve had the opportunity to record in the previous period influenced the awakening of interest among potential new French investors? What kind of questions do they have when addressing your chamber?

- The signing and implementation of large projects has had an exceptionally positive impact, serving to ensure that there is more talk in France about Serbia in a positive context, and contributing to companies that hadn’t previously considered our country as a possible business destination to do so. This is particularly important for French SMEs, because they are very cautious when it comes to entering new markets and are encouraged by these positive examples.

Apart from that, the arrival of large French corporations also implies the potential arrival of their partners, entire supply chains, which is of great importance to our economy.

The French Development Agency will cover the region of the Western Balkans from Serbia, which will undoubtedly contribute to raising interest in Serbia among new French companies, and will also ease their arrival significantly

You recently published the brochure “French business in Serbia, successes and perspectives”. What kind of picture does this publication provide when it comes to the French

How would you rate cooperation between the CCIFS and the Government of Serbia; and other important stakeholders on the economic scene?

- Our Chamber works very successfully with the institutions of the Republic of Serbia, and does so via the implementation of at least three events annually with representatives of various ministries and the state administration. It was precisely due to our satisfaction with this cooperation that we presented, on our 5th birthday, an award for merit in the development of bilateral relations to Aleksandar Vučić, who was then the Prime Minister of Serbia. Our cooperation is still just as good.

We also cooperate excellently, and on a daily basis, with other stakeholders on the economic scene, especially interna25

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tional financial institutions with which we regularly organise activities – not only in Serbia, but throughout the entire region.

As of September, Belgrade will become the seat of the French Development Agency for the territory of the Western Balkans. What is the significance of this decision for Serbia and the region?

- We are very much looking forward to the arrival of the French development agency in Serbia, especially given that Belgrade will be the regional hub. The French Development Agency has

received a mandate to cover the region of the Western Balkans from Serbia, and this will be the first time that it operates in Europe (it is actually the most active development agency in Africa). This will undoubtedly contribute to raising interest in Serbia among new French companies, and will also ease their arrival significantly.

Belgrade and Serbia have been officially declared for the international French Tech community. What will this mean for Serbia’s IT community in practical terms?

- As I’ve already stated, the development of digital technologies is very important for our country. It is also important for France, which launched the French Tech initiative in 2014, gathering together a large number of start-ups and digital technology companies, and enabling their grouping and connecting. This year, with the support of the CCIFS, the French Tech Community was founded in Serbia, and that’s very pleasing for us because Serbia is a country of tremendous opportunities when it comes to the development of innovative and digital technologies.

There will be greater opportunities for cooperation with French Tech, so we believe that this will also contribute to the launch and development of start-up companies in Serbia.

Our members constantly tell us that we’re among the most active and most innovative chambers in Serbia...

That’s why we’ve decided, as of this year, to also open up membership to other companies, not only French and Serbian

As a representative of the French business community and as CCIFS president, where do you personally see Serbia’s key advantages for investors?

- Serbia’s attractiveness lies primarily in its people: we have extremely high-quality, well-educated and inventive human resources – which is especially evident in the digital economy.

Then there is the country’s central geographical position, industrial tradition, natural resources... Numerous sectors in Serbia offer wonderful prospects.

In which areas should work be prioritised when it comes to improving the business climate?

- There is still room for improvement in work on the predictability 26

of operations: reform of the public sector and the judiciary; general improvement in the efficiency of our administration etc. In that sense, digitalisation is of a major importance to Serbia. I’m glad that our government has an ear for this and that it encourages entrepreneurship, especially in the field of new technologies. That’s where our future lies.

Given the continuous growth of the French business community in Serbia, how do you see the further profiling of the CCIFS? - Our Chamber aims to continue bringing together all French companies in Serbia, to connect them with high-quality Serbian companies and potential associates.

Given that we’ve also, as of this year, opened up to companies that are not only French or Serbian, we hope to increase the mass of our membership, which would provide members with even more opportunities to develop business.

Moreover, as of two years ago, our Chamber also covers the territories of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and North Macedonia, offering French companies an even bigger and more attractive market, so we hope to see an increase in the number of requests for support in the implementation of projects in the country and around the region. We hope that this will further increase France’s economic presence – not only in Serbia, but rather throughout the region.

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CARLOS DE CORDOUE, CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD, CREDIT AGRICOLE SRBIJA

BUSINESS

We Work Every Day For OUR CUSTOMERS AND SOCIETY Crédit Agricole Srbija is part of a powerful global financial institution, the 10th largest bank in the world. Such a strong background allows it to implement the Crédit Agricole banking model in Serbia too, and to offer clients a full banking service at the highest level

I

t can provide its clients continuous support for their everyday needs and for their projects in life, especially by helping them guard against uncertainties and plan for the long term. This is why for Crédit Agricole worldwide, and in Serbia too, the main goal is to be a trusted partner to all its customers.

Not only is Crédit Agricole Srbija one of the major banks in agro-financing with a market share of more than 20%, but we are also active in bringing the new trends from France and Europe into Serbia. Our bank traditionally participates in the International Agro Fair in Novi Sad where we organise educational conferences with competent experts from various fields related to agriculture who share their knowledge and experience. In acting like this, Crédit Agricole Srbija is trying to be not only a financial partner of Serbian agriculture, but also a reliable source of expertise and new trends.

Crédit Agricole operates in more than 50 countries and is among the world’s strongest banks. How is your position in Serbia?

- Crédit Agricole Srbija is dedicated to continuing the business model that has proven to be successful on long-term basis. As in previous years, we shall engage all our capacities to continue with dynamic organic growth in the local market. This approach has already brought us good results since Crédit Agricole Srbija has achieved a growth in its loan portfolio almost twice as high as What are the next steps for Crédit Agricole in Serbia and globally? market growth in the previous year. On the other hand, working - Just a month ago, Crédit Agricole announced its new Medium-term in compliance with CA Group policy, we have over the years kept Plan, which, like the previous one, keeps the focus on our clients. our NPL significantly below the market Our Group Project and the Ambitions it average. All this proves that Crédit Agricole At Crédit Agricole, we believe that sets for 2022 are intended to guide our in Serbia has shown a strong performance and actions over the years our competitive advantage is the commitments and is a stable and reliable partner for its to come. They draw on our raison d’être: diversity of expertise we can offer “Working every day in the interests of our clients and the local economy. customers and society”.

Crédit Agricole in France is focused on supporting agriculture To apply this motto, we are amplifying our relationship model and agribusiness. Do you have a vision of how you can help Serwith three flagship projects. Our Customer Project is focused bia exploit its great agricultural potential? on excellence in customer relations, it advises customers with - Crédit Agricole’s expertise in agriculture and agri-business is transparency, loyalty and pedagogy. This project goes hand in hand surely something that can be beneficial for Serbian agriculture. with our Human-Centric Project, which is based on empowering our As a bank, we are primarily oriented towards offering farmers in teams and giving them greater autonomy to offer better service Serbia a competitive financial service for their business sector. to customers. Our CSR Project aims to pursue our commitment But I believe that even more important is the specific relationship to inclusive development and to make green finance one of the model we have developed. key drivers of our growth.

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10

th

Anniversary Of The French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce

THE FIRST DECADE Of Cooperation

Since its inception in 2009, when only one person with one computer worked in the Chamber, the Chamber has been developing and growing constantly to this day. Following is a retrospective of certain events that have marked the 10 years of the Chamber's work

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orking in tandem on engaging the FrenchSerbian business community and supporting French companies interested in the Serbian market, it has grown to become a leading French-Serbian business network,

2019 GALA EVENING AND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, MARKING 10 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP IN ACTION The gala evening of the CCIFS, as one of the Chamber’s most exclusive and attractive events, was held on 6th June in Belgrade and brought together over 200 officials, diplomats, businesspeople and figures from public life. This year’s Gala evening was simultaneously a celebration of the great jubilee marking the first decade of the CCIFS’s existence and its work on French-Serbian friendships and the promotion of economic cooperation between these two friendly countries. A dynamic and interesting evening programme, featuring a fashion show and tombola lottery, to the accompaniment of the elegant sounds of an electric violin, guaranteed a great atmosphere from the very beginning.

The Chamber utilised this occasion to award two traditional Grand Prix awards, one in the field of corporate social responsibility that went to Tigar Tyres for implementing its Family Day of Health and Safety project, and the other in the field of innovation, which was presented to comany Quantox Technology for the project “Business Internet Network”, which is a tool for creating websites and online shops. Special awards were 28

an institution that has brought together more than 120 members and organises over 40 events annually, and which has - in the first decade of its existence supported hundreds of French companies interested in doing business in Serbia.

also presented to the second generation of attendees of our start-up accelerator, Between and Super Bake.

The annual gala evening has been among the most important events organised by the CCIFS since 2013.

2019 EVENT BOOSTER – THE FIRST EVENTS ORGANISATION FAIR IN SERBIA Where to organise a corporate celebration? How to choose the perfect decorations, photographer, music, catering? In which way do you make your event unique, and ensure that

had a number of networking opportunities, the highlight of which was the Gala Evening at the Embassy of France, where guests were welcomed by French Ambassador Frederic Mondolini, French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce President Dragoljub Damljanović and Senator Jean-Yves Leconte.

10YEARS

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2017 TEAM FRANCE BALKANS

it remains memorable? These were just some of the many questions answered by the CCIFS with the organising of the first events-organisation fair in Serbia, EVENT BOOSTER. In the beautiful atmosphere of Belgrade’s Hotel Metropol, on 13th June 2019, over 20 exhibitors presented their range of products and services intended for the organising of events.

This exclusive fair, organised as a networking-reception event, brought together 150 selected guests, representatives of marketing, PR, procurement and communications, who were able to acquaint themselves with excellent offers of venues, decorations, music, photography, technical requirements, agencies for organisation etc.

Event booster is a fair that the CCIFS will continue to hold in the first half of each year. The French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce already realised a fair of corporate gifts in October 2018, which will be held again this autumn.

2018 BUSINESS FORUM FRANCE-BALKANS

Under the organisation of the French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Business France, and with the support of the Embassy of France and the Alliance of French Foreign Trade Advisors, over 450 companies from France and 13 countries of the region gathered in Belgrade, from 30th May to 1st June 2018, for the Forum France-Balkans, which was aimed at promoting regional cooperation and the Balkans as a business destination.

The forum was jointly opened by Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić, Special Envoy of the French President for the Balkans, Alain Richard, and Assistant Director of Business France, Frederic Rossi.

During the three days of the forum, 450 companies were able to participate in over 1,000 organised B2B meetings, two plenary sessions and six sector-specific round-tables, while they also

The French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce initiated the launch of a regional team for supporting French companies on the markets of the Balkans - Team France Balkans.

The idea to establish Team France Balkans emerged in 2012, when the CCIFS hosted the Meeting of Regional Directors of French Foreign Chambers from the PECO zone (CEE – Central Eastern Europe), bringing together over 30 directors who are our associates.

Team France Balkans includes French chambers of commerce or business clubs in Serbia, Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia (through cooperation with the Association of Macedonian Chambers of Commerce), while the market of Bosnia-Herzegovina is also covered, with the CCIFS having started activities there two years ago. Team France Balkans is a regional support network for French companies interested in operating in the countries of the Balkans, and it is particularly significant that this network is also recognised in France as the main address for all companies and business players interested in any of the Balkan countries. Inquiries from companies for the entire territory of the Balkans are managed by the French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, with which the support network for the arrival of French companies has been strengthened and expanded.

From 2013 to the present FRENCH WEEK This is one of the CCIFS’s most important events, which aims to promote French products, expertise and culture through a series of happenings organised throughout the week at several locations in the capital and beyond. French Week is connected to the third week of November, specifically the third Thursday of the month, when the evening of young French wine, Beaujolais nouveau, is traditionally celebrated.

French Week was organised by the Chamber for the first time in 2013, when it was officially opened with a spectacular 3D 29

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From 2011 until today YOUTH SUPPORT PROGRAMMES

projection on the façade of Belgrade City Hall, a projection that evoked the historical links between Serbia and France. In the following years, the rich and diverse programme of French Week provided the most diverse events, among which we would highlight an online job fair, an online map of French products, workshops on gastronomy, baking and wine, student debates, exhibitions at the Nikola Tesla Museum and the Yugoslav Cinematheque Film Archives, the painting of a mural of the Little Prince on the façade of the Vladislav Ribnikar Primary School, and much more.

From the 2009 inception until today MONTHLY ACTIVITIES

During the ten years of the CCIFS’s existence, we have organised over 400 events of various forms, which have presented, and which continue to represent, an opportunity for members to get to know one another, inform themselves and, of course, enjoy socialising together.

It is at just such networking events that a lot of acquaintances have been made which have grown into business partnerships.

Among the wide range of events, we would highlight the Speed Business Meetings, which are B2B meetings with members of other chambers, and which we initiated and pioneered in Serbia.

Then there are International and Summer cocktail receptions in cooperation with other foreign and local associations, monthly meetings and presentations of new members, working lunches with ministers and other institutional partners, hards skills and soft skills training for employees within the scope of the CCIFS Training Centre, thematic workshops and round-tables on current financial, legal and other topics, the event format entitled “10 questions for”, sporting and humanitarian activities to support vulnerable groups and many others.

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From its very beginnings, the CCIFS has supported young people on the road to developing their ideas by announcing competitions each year. The Student Prize, which is one of the initiatives that we are particularly proud of, has been organised since 2011 and aims to promote sustainable development in higher education institutions in Serbia and addresses the university community. Every year, the best works of students are awarded with valuable cash prizes that are awarded by CCIFS member companies. Since 2018, the CCIFS has also launched a mentoring programme under the title “Start-up Accelerator”, which is intended for young people and entrepreneurs who want to start or accelerate the growth of their businesses.

The programme implies free one-year professional support from members of the CCIFS Management Board in the most important aspects of business management (devising a business plan, legal consulting, finances, sales, marketing, project development tracking). Alongside mentoring support, programme users also receive one-year membership in the CCIFS, which gives them an opportunity to expand their network of contacts among directors, managers and other employees of French companies that operate in Serbia.

We would also single out the memorandum on cooperation signed by the CCIFS in April 2019 with the University of Belgrade, while we also have many years of cooperation with the Faculty of Economics in Belgrade and the FEFA Faculty. Several times a year, the CCIFS engages interns, final-year students and graduates, and – through a practical work experience programme – gives them an opportunity to better acquaint themselves with the activities of the Chamber and to become part of our business network.

From 2010 until today SUPPORT SERVICES FOR FRENCH ENTERPRISES

From 2009 until today ACTIVITIES IN FRANCE

10YEARS

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From its inception until today, the CCIFS has promoted and represented Serbia in France through participation in B2B meetings organised by the French regional chambers. Events of this format are organised throughout France (Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg etc.) and aim to point out new opportunities to French companies and to encourage them to launch operations abroad. The CCIFS is also present in France through the CCIFS director’s participation in the work of the Consultative Committee of French Chambers of Commerce abroad, of which she was elected a member in 2017, and which – in addition to coordinating the work of French chambers – also works on the reform of French foreign trade support, advocating the one-stop-shop principle.

In the first decade of our existence, we’ve helped many hundreds of French companies in exploring market potential, finding clients and partners, opening branch offices and generally expanding to the Serbian market. The CCIFS is classified in the third, highest category within the network of French chambers of commerce, because it provides a complete service to French companies interested in the Serbian market: from initial information about the market, to opening a company and assistance in its management. The Chamber has for the last eight years been an operational partner of Business France, the state-owned French export promotion agency. Among many realised projects, we would single out the visit of a large delegation in 2014, when the largest French companies from the water and sewage sector visited Belgrade Waterworks and Sewerage, after which they held B2B meetings with potential partners, or the visit of French businessmen from the rail sector in 2015, when the largest French brands, including SNCF national railways, met with the leaders of Serbian Railways. We should also mention two visits of delegations of French businesspeople to Belgrade in 2016 and Sarajevo in 2017, when meetings were organised for them with representatives of international institutions in both cities. We also regularly organise participations of French companies at fairs in Serbia: we’ve organised several mini-fairs of French wines or organised visits to the Novi Sad Agricultural Fair.

From 2015 until today LEBOOSTER – CCIFS BUSINESS CENTRE

Under the scope of support for start-ups and enabling French and Serbian companies to more easily integrate into the local market, in 2015, at our address in the very heart of Belgrade, we opened the LeBooster Business Centre, with an offer of offices, office areas in a co-working space, virtual offices and conference rooms in a unique French touch environment.

Enterprises can register a company at our address, or rent a work desk or office for a certain period with the full logistical, business and networking offer of our chamber.

As an additional privilege, by utilising our Business Centre, individuals and businesses become part of our business community, gaining access to our network of contacts and the numerous events that we organise.

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BUSINESS PARTNER

INTERVIEW

SANJA IVANIĆ, DIRECTOR OF THE FRENCH-SERBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (CCI FRANCE SERBIE)

WINNING Approach In the first 10 years, we at the Chamber focused on the quality of our offer, while now will also dedicate ourselves to increasing the network of members.

We believe that we offer top events and services that will satisfy even the most demanding of companies. French chic and Serbian charm are a winning combination

for by imports, with exports worth a total of 478 million. “Growth in the foreign trade exchange has been particularly significant in the last few years, and it illustrates the desire of the two countries to renew their traditional friendship in all respects, including the economic aspect,” says Ivanić.

T

he French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce brings together more than 120 members, including both French and Serbian firms, but also companies from other countries.

They are all united in their desire to increase their business contacts and exchange experiences, thus advancing their operations. “In the first 10 years, we at the Chamber focused on the quality of that which we offer, while now we have a desire to dedicate ourselves to increasing the network of members, because we believe that we offer top events and services that will satisfy even the most demanding of companies,” says CCI France Serbie Director Sanja Ivanić. “We are particularly interested in new members from sectors that have little or no representation in the Chamber, because we want the Chamber to be a comprehensive representative of the Serbian economy.”

France is ranked seventh among countries whose companies have invested in Serbia, with around 110 companies employing more than 11,000 people in various sectors: finance, automotive, food, digital and, as of recently, under the scope of a public service concession. In 2018, 955 million euros of foreign trade was realised between the two countries, 477 million of which was accounted

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What has the strong growth in membership meant to the chamber’s internal organisation and the palette of services it offers?

- The increase in the number of members means that we have more possibilities and motivation to organise even bigger events that are even more successful and more useful for members.

The larger number of members also enabled us to set up sectorspecific clubs that allow members to share their experiences and work jointly to resolve specific problems that they face in their everyday operations and which relate specifically to the area in which they operate.

Apart from enriching the activities of the Chamber, the larger number of members gives us access to new levels of expertise, which is essential for us when it comes to providing information and support to French companies interested in this market. Moreover, thanks to the enriched palette of competences of our member companies and their employees, our “Start-up accelerator” mentoring programme is becoming increasingly proficient. We still don’t know every detail of the Serbian economy, but we’re close!

With more than 40 events organised in 2018 alone, the CCIFS brings together and hosts members of the French-Serbian

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community each month. Which events are the most important to the work of members?

- Our events, through their diverse nature, are conceived in such a way that members can access the most diverse information from the world of business, contacts, organisations and partners. We strive to always listen to members’ needs and are not afraid to try out new formats. I would say that this flexibility and reactivity is our greatest advantage over older and larger organisations.

Some events, such as the Gala Dinner that we first organised in Serbia seven years ago, or French Week, endure and are enriched over time, while others are replaced with something different, better adapted to the actual needs of members. Our policy is simple: members desire, and we try to fulfil those desires!

How would you assess your chamber’s role in advocating solutions for improving the business climate?

- The Chamber is a referenced partner to all French companies operating not only in Serbia but also around the region: we operate directly in countries where there is no French business club, or cooperate with partners, clubs or French chambers in the surrounding countries and beyond. For the last seven years we’ve been the operational partner of Business France, which is the French national agency serving the internationalisation of the French economy. In that sense, we have a certain “gravitas” with institutional partners in Serbia and the region, and they are always inclined to listen to and assist us. This also provides our members with greater visibility and access to “first-hand” information. Of course, that which “torments” our members most often also troubles other companies, regardless of their country of origin, which is why we strive, as often as possible, to approach such situations collectively, with other bilateral associations in Serbia.

their first registration. This year we’ve doubled the space we rent, due to the high interest, so today we have there seven registered companies, both French and Serbian, which either have their own offices or share the co-working space. What sets LeBooster apart from other business centres is precisely the aspect of a business community with a good atmosphere and various organised social events, and - above all - access to the expertise of the Chamber and its members, which we make available to our ‘tenants’ with the aim of supporting their development. The LeBooster brand allows companies that are LeBooster members in one country to access LeBooster facilities in another country and to use the space for free for some time and to have access to the local network of members. As of this year, the Chamber will also convert its websites into a world marketplace, where chamber members will be free to communicate, sell or purchase services or products from members of French chambers anywhere in the world. We are doing everything we can to overcome the image that chambers have everywhere around the world as a traditional, sluggish institutions and to position ourselves as a modern, proactive and efficient organisation.

We would like to have many more French companies on the Serbian market, and a great challenge for us is to convince them to come here, and to then offer them top personalized support

Could you explain in more detail what stands behind the LeBOOSTER brand? Which services does the CCIFS offer in Serbia under this brand?

- The LeBooster Business Centre is an initiative of French Chambers at the global level – we launched it in Serbia when we noticed that there are ever more newcomers seeking space to start activities, and our address was a very practical solution for

In your opinion, what are the key challenges in further developing the chamber?

- Our goals remain the same: to improve bilateral cooperation and provide the best possible services to our members and newly arriving French companies.

In term of this last aspect, we would like there to be many more, and therein lies the biggest challenge for us – firstly because they need to be convinced that there is great potential on our market, and secondly because they need to be provided with personalised support, from market analysis to the identifying of clients, partners etc., to possible locations for them to launch activities, recruit human resources staff etc. That’s why we’ll continue our activities in France and direct meetings with representatives of companies, as that’s the only way to present them with all the opportunities offered by this market. We also intend, in the foreseeable future, to set up a support service for Serbian companies wanting to enter the French market. And we won’t be alone in this project, because such enquiries come from all French chambers around the world and this is already being worked on at our parent chamber in France.

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FRENCH ECONOMY

France is one of the world's leading economies, with highly advanced industry and strong export. Some of the largest French companies have recently started expressing an interest in investing in Serbia

Among The World’s

STRONGEST ECONOMIES

F

rance had the world’s 6th largest economy in 2018, by nominal figures, and the 10th largest economy by PPP figures. It is the 2nd largest economy in the European Union after that of Germany.

France’s diversified economy is led by tourism, manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. It is the world’s sixth largest agricultural producer and the EU’s leading agricultural power, accounting for about a third of all agricultural land within the EU. The government has partially or fully privatised many large companies, but maintains a strong presence in such sectors as power, public transport and defence. The leading industrial sectors are telecommunications (including communication satellites), aerospace and defence, shipbuilding (naval and specialist ships), construction and civil engineering, chemicals, textiles, and motor vehicle production.

French technology resources are concentrated in Sophia Antipolis.

The French arms industry’s main customer, for whom they mainly build warships, guns, nuclear weapons and equipment, is the French government. France is also the world’s fourth largest weapons exporter.

France is the second-largest exporter in Europe after Germany.

It exports a wide range of goods and services and has an exportto-GDP ratio close to 30 per cent. France’s highest dollar value goods exports include machinery, aircraft and spacecraft, vehicles, electronic equipment and pharmaceutical products. Moreover, France is one of the world’s largest exporters of farming and

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agricultural products, while it is renowned for its wine, spirits and cheeses. The French government provides significant subsidies to this sector and France is the largest exporter of agricultural products in Europe. Among services, tourism is a key export, with France being the most visited country in the world. Other key export services include business services and transportation.

The majority of France’s exports are to European nations, with only around a third of all exports going to economies outside Europe. France exports the largest amount of goods and services to Germany, followed by Belgium, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. Outside of the European Union, the United States is the top destination for French exports.

France mainly imports consumer goods that are less expensive than products “Made in France.” France is also a net importer of machinery, vehicles, crude oil and aircraft. Among services, the largest imports into France are transportation and travel services.

France imports the majority of its goods from European countries, which account for 68 per cent of total imports. France’s main import partners are Germany, Belgium, Italy and Spain. Outside of the European Union, France imports the most goods from China .

The French economy is this year expected to grow faster than that of Germany, according to the forecasts of major business institutes. This has not happened since 2005.

There were 28 French companies on the list of the world’s 500 biggest companies in 2018. In accordance with that account,

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France ranks 5th in the Fortune Global 500, behind the U.S., China, Japan and Germany.

Among the most prominent companies are AXA in insurance and Air France in aviation. L’Oreal is the world’s largest cosmetics company, while LVMH and PPR are the world’s two largest luxury product companies. In energy and utilities, GDF-Suez and EDF are among the world’s largest energy companies, while Areva is a large nuclear-energy company. Among the most advanced companies are Veolia Environment, the world’s largest environmental services and water management company; Vinci SA, Bouygues and Eiffage, which are large construction companies, Michelin JCDecaux, the world’s largest outdoor advertising corporation, and banks such as BNP Paribas, Credit Agricole and Société Générale. Carrefour represents the world’s second largest retail group in terms of revenue, while Total is the world’s fourth largest private oil company, Danone is the world’s fifth largest food company and the world’s largest supplier of mineral water and Sanofi Aventis is the world’s fifth largest pharmaceutical company; Publicis is the world’s third largest advertising company, PSA is the world’s 6th and Europe’s 2nd largest carmaker; Accor is the leading European hotel group and Alstom is one of the world’s leading conglomerates in the rail transport sector.

France is a member of the European Union and follows a trade policy similar to other member states, with a common EU-weighted average tariff rate. Furthermore, France and other EU member states have a number of bilateral and regional trade agreements and are members of the World Trade Organization (WTO). France maintains an open economy, though it actively protects its agricultural products. France is an attractive destination for foreign investments. In contrast, the financial sector is relatively closed, with only a few foreign banks operating in the country.

Trade between France and Serbia has increased in recent years (+8% between 2015 and 2016, with a 15.5% rise in exports).

In 2017, the trade exchange reached a total of 882 million euros, with exports to Serbia amounting to 438 million and imports to France worth a total of 444 million euros. According to the latest available data, trade saw robust growth in 2018, reaching close to the much-coveted level of a billion euros in the trade exchange.

With a restored trade surplus, France is now Serbia’s eighth-largest supplier and eleventh-largest customer.

French exports are varied – industrial and agricultural machin-

ery, chemical products, perfumes and cosmetics, pharmaceutical products, cars and agricultural products.

Serbian exports are focused on rubber and plastic goods (81.2 million euros – primarily motor vehicle tyres produced at Tigar-Michelin in Pirot), electrical equipment, mechanical (trailers, semi-trailers) and electronic equipment (74 million euros) and food produce (raspberries). Considerable growth potential still remains. Based on data from the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Serbia - Customs Administration, a total of 4,623 Serbian companies operated with the Republic of France in 2017. The top exporters were Tigar-Michlen, Grundfos Serbia, Lohr Bačka Topola, Streit Nova Stara Pazova and NIS. On the import side, the biggest players were Phoenix Pharma, Grundfos, Renault-Nissan, Farmalogist and Avtonova kab.

France occupies 7th place on the list of the biggest foreign investor countries in Serbia, with close to 120 companies in Serbia employing over 11,000 workers in various sectors – financial, automotive, food, digital and public service concessions.

French companies are also among the leading companies in their respective sectors, such as Somboled and Mlekoprodukt in the food industry, Suez and Veolia in infrastructure, Tigar Tyres, Le Belier and Hutchinson in the automotive industry, and Atos and Schneider Electric in the field of new technologies.

According to the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Serbia, companies from France are interested in cooperation and investments in the fields of energy (Alcom, Mécamidi, SARL 2E, for the construction of mini hydro power plants, as well as for investments in solar power plants and other renewable energy sources), agriculture and transport, particularly under the model of public-private partnerships and concessions, environmental protection and the IT sector.

French companies express particular interest in participating in projects related to road and rail corridors 10 and 11, as well as the construction of a metro underground rail system in Belgrade.

Last year saw representatives of Serbian companies in the fields of civil engineering, transport and infrastructure meet with a delegation of the French business association “Movement of French Companies” - MEDEF, which brings together companies that have more than 400,000 employees and annual revenue of around 125 billion euros.

The French companies said at the meeting that they would like to participate in the construction of the section of the railway from Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport to the city centre.

French companies express particular interest in participating in projects related to road and rail corridors 10 and 11, as well as the construction of a metro underground rail system in Belgrade

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BUSINESS

ALAIN COUCHOT, PROJECT MANAGER, COLAS RAIL

Our Main Concern Is STAFF SAFETY Colas Rail is a French construction company specialised in railway works that's number 1 in Europe, with a turnover of almost € 1 billion. It belongs to the COLAS group, a world leader in road construction, which is itself part of a gigantic industrial group BOUYGUES

O

ne of our targets is to participate in the metro project in Belgrade. We have the skills and are already present in Serbia. With our experience growing in the country, we are willing to win more bids. Graduates and Students are welcome to contact our HR department.

Who are you and what is Colas Rail?

- My name is Alain Couchot and I’m a French project manager working for Colas Rail in Belgrade. Colas Rail has a staff of 5,800 located in 24 countries, bringing together more than 10 different trades (track, catenary, substation, signalling, maintenance, freight etc.). We operate in the construction of urban transport (trams, metro rail) but also classic railways and high-speed lines.

We are currently in the finalising and testing phase for an early July delivery.

What is the added value of Colas Rail in Serbia?

- Colas Rail’s main concern is the safety of each of our employees. Work cannot start if safety rules are not set up and applied. Safety culture is not an easy Tell me about Colas Rail’s start in Serbia.

The link between the French and concept to import, but great progress been made since we started here.

- Colas Rail’s Serbia branch opened a little the Serbs is historic and Colas Rail has The establishment of an ISO quality over two years ago. The first project we is proud to humbly participate in system is also one of our objectives. The were involved in was the reconstruction goal is twofold: to control ourselves of the tram lines on Slavija Square, BouleSerbia’s development almost in real time, in order to rectify vard Oslobodjenja, Ruzveltova and Mije mistakes, and to prove to the client that the work is done Kovačevića streets. Then we began building the new line on the according to the design. But the greatest strength of Colas ADA Bridge in a consortium with company EnergoProjekt NG. Rail Serbia is to benefit from the experience and support of This project is still ongoing.

Colas Rail International.

Can you tell me more about this Ada Bridge project?

How do you see the future of Colas Rail in Serbia?

- It consists of the construction of a new electrified double - The schedule for the near future is already full. We have just tram line across the Ada Bridge, connections to existing tram started two new projects – the reconstruction of 60 km of lines, two tram stations and two rectifier stations. The biggest railway tracks and train stations between Jajinci and Mala technical difficulty is that the Ada Bridge is a cable-stayed Krsna and the reconstruction of the streets Kraljice Marije, bridge, which means the deck does not have its own rigidity 27 Marta, Džordža Vasingtona and Cara Dusana, including and is subject to movement. We have therefore had to install tram lines. A third project is about to begin this summer: the dilation devices that are large enough to absorb its movements. reconstruction and extension of the train Depot in Zemun. We The weather has also been a challenge. We had a lot of have increased our workforce sevenfold in less than six months. snow this winter and this has disrupted some of the works.

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VESNA VELISAVLJEVIĆ, HR MANAGER & QUALITY REPRESENTATIVE, APAVE VERTECH

BUSINESS

We Are Experts In Work At HEIGHT AND ADVANCED NDT Apave VerTech was founded in 2013 as part of the Apave Group,which operates in 110 countries worldwide and has more than 9,800 management experts. In Serbia, dozens of clients have been acquired in six successful years, amongst which are some of our largest companies

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tests through advanced methods, which significantly differentiates us on the market in this part of Europe: MFL - inspection of tank floors (corrosion mapping); ET - checking eddy current in welded joints; IRIS - ultrasonic inspection of heat exchanger tubes; RMS - automatic ultrasonic thickness measurement (corrosion mapping).

We also use PAUT - ultrasonic inspection by phased array technique; EMAT - electromagnetic measurement of thickness; LRUT - ultrasonic inspection of pipeline mateFor over 150 years, Apave has been a leader in risk manrial beneath insulation; PEC - inspection of underlying agement with more than 200,000 clients. What scope of material through insulation by the method of pulsating services do you offer? vortex currents; TOFD - time of flight diffraction. We - Apave Vertech employs personnel in the mechanical and use NFT – inspection of ribbed heat exchanger tubes by technical professions, but also those who want to improve means of eddy current; RFT - control of heat exchanger their skills in the fields in which we operate, in a team tubes by the method of eddy current; environment, with the opportunity to DR and CR, digital radiography. work abroad on oil platforms around The certification body certifies At the Training Centre, professional the world. In just over six successful years, we have developed in several non-destructive testing personnel, trainers provide training using modern directions. The fields of work of the staff who make non-adjustable equipment and materials modelled on international training centres in the Inspection Body accredited by the joints and joint assemblers field of non-destructive testing, weldAccreditation Body of Serbia are the ing, also work at height, assembling and inspection of equipment under presdismantling auxiliary structures for working at height - for sure (conformity assessment and inspection over the which we have solutions of the Ministry of Education. lifespan of pressure equipment according to valid Serbian regulations), inspection of steel and aluminium structures, You have brought Rope Access to our market. Where is inspection of pre-insulated pipelines for district heating it most commonly used? and their elements, and gas pipeline installations. It also - This technique, otherwise called “industrial alpinism”, includes non-destructive inspections of metallic materihas broad applications in industry. It is very suitable for als, welded joints and drop-forged steel, castings and flat inaccessible or less accessible places, working below or products. The Inspection Body also inspects welded joints above ground level, in a confined space, or in places where on thermoplastic materials and performs passive-active it is not suitable to mount scaffolds or similar structures. qualitative thermographic inspection of mechanical and Our staff - experts in the field of working at height, have electrical equipment and thermal insulation on energy internationally recognised certificates in accordance with pipelines. the highest safety standards.

The Inspection Body also performs non-destructive e are continuously creating experts in the field of NDT and working at height. Our staff are improving daily in the team environment, gaining qualifications and skills that can provide them with an opportunity to work abroad on oil platforms around the world, explains HR manager Vesna Velisavljević.

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BUSINESS PARTNER

INTERVIEW

JEAN-BAPTISTE CUZIN, DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUT FRANÇAIS IN SERBIA

The Value Of

PARTNERSHIP “I took the decision to come to Serbia four years ago with my family, because I wanted to be, somehow, useful for establishing partnerships and projects, and to be embedded in trends for the changes that are at the core of Serbian society.”

C

orD Magazine has welcomed Jean-Baptiste Cuzin, head of cooperation at the French Embassy in Serbia and director of the Institut français in Serbia, several times, and each time those meetings have resulted in very open discussions of the efforts of the team that he leads to present French culture as fully as possible in our country, and to complement our culture scene.

Mr Cuzin will soon leave to take on a new professional mission, so this represents our farewell interview.

However, regardless of this apt occasion, it is impossible not to note that during the last four years, i.e. during the time that Mr Cuzin has been among the residents of our country, the programmes and projects of the French Institute have been a very visible part of our everyday lives.

an Chamber of Commerce. However, this year is also marked by the official visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Serbia. To what extent does cultural cooperation between our two countries contribute to these events?

- Cultural cooperation between France in Serbia has always been a key leverage to strengthen human links between France and Serbia. Students, researchers, artists, authors etc. have always been at the forefront of personal encounters with the partner country, and this has been taken into account by both of our governments for more than a century. Serbian students welcomed in France during World War I to pursue their studies in South-Eastern France or in Corsica, thanks to the strategic partnership established between our countries, where – somehow – the ones who paved the way for establishing cooperation programmes between the two countries.

Today, culture, education, creativity and knowledge are still the best ways to establish new links between young people and all stakeholders who are willing to bridge the gap between our societies, who are committed to the same global issues (digital transition, climate change, the need for more equality within society, the fight against gender inequality and all forms of discriminations).

And sharing the same aspiration for the French language, which is an open door to another perception of contemporary issues, remains a key link between the very active and committed minority of French speakers in Serbia and the global Francophone community.

Thus, culture (in a broader sense) will obviously be one of the strings on which President Macron’s visit to Serbia will be based.

Culture (in a broader sense) will obviously be one of the strings on which President Macron’s visit to Serbia will be based

This year marks three major French-Serbian anniversaries: 230 years since the storming of the Bastille, 180 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and Serbia, and 10 years since the founding of the French-Serbi38

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Belgrade and Serbia have taken up four years of your life. What is your strongest impression of this period? Do you feel like this environment impacted on you in some way?

- Since I arriving in Belgrade for the first time, in 1997, with a group of students from several European countries who were willing to meet with Serbian students committed to the comprehensive recognition of Serbia in the European cultural space, Belgrade has always been on my mind.I took the decision to come to Serbia four years ago with my family, because I wanted to be, somehow, useful for establishing partnerships and projects, and to be embedded in trends for the changes that are at the core of Serbian society.

In between, I’ve been nurtured by the unique narrative of our joint story, as well as the unique human capital of Serbia, in all parts of the country (I realise that my job took me to more than 30 cities in Serbia).

These four years will also have been a unique experience for my French/Romanian family. When we will leave, my youngest son will have spent more than 80 per cent of his life in Serbia, and I realise that it will make a difference to him, speaking Serbian, when he is in France!

Your work’s results are dependent not only on your commitment, knowhow and skills, but also on the environment in which you work. Have Belgrade and Serbia been good partners and associates for you?

- I’ve had the chance to work, together with the impressive team of the Institut français in Belgrade, Niš and Novi Sad, and the small team of high level experts working with me on cooperation issues (public administration reform, European integration, support to local governments), with a phenomenal range of partners, all over the country. From the very institutional ones to tiny NGOs, I’ve had the chance to work, directly or indirectly, with partners who perfectly understand the added value of partnerships.

French language in school education (all the more since Serbia became an associate member of the Francophony organisation in 2018). This partnership with the Ministry of Education is strategic and enables us to work hand in hand with directors of schools and teachers (whose commitment towards kids and teenagers is unique).

The programmes implemented by the French Institute to commemorate the anniversary of the end of World War I had a significant impact on our cultural scene.

Why is the culture of remembrance important today?

- We at the Institut français were fully part of the huge programme implemented last year by the French Embassy, under the slogan “yesterday/today/tomorrow”.

That’s because the culture of remembrance and transmission is also needed to build up the society in which our kids are growing up. This is proven by the very impressive reception of the exhibition “Our {shared} History/our Memories” which we produced and allowed to tour 15 cities, thanks to our local partners.

The Belgrade Festival of European Literature has been organised in partnership with the French Institute. This serves to prove that your institute has not limited its mission in Serbia to only expanding the culture of France, but also that of Europe as a whole. Is culture one of the few topics that connects all people?

- Obviously! Everything we do is in line with the assertion that culture is based on the uniqueness of the creative process and belongs to a collective construction of the identity of each citizen, of each country.

At the same time, we are living in the same European cultural space in which dialogue and exchange contribute to a shared sense of belonging to a certain idea of Europe, based on diversity.

The culture of remembrance and transmission is also needed to build up the society in which our kids are growing up

It was less than two years ago that you and Serbian Education Minister Milan Šarčević signed the Agreement on Cooperation in the field of the French language and bilingual teaching in Serbia. What are the results of that agreement to date?

- This agreement between the MPNTR and the French Embassy and Institut français was a milestone in switching to shared steering of the network of bilingual classes in Serbia (seven in high schools and one at the Ribnikar Primary School in Belgrade) and pushing together for more legitimacy for the

The drive to cultivate the Serbian language as one of the basic elements of the nation’s identity has been current in Serbia for years. How can a country preserve its language in the face of globalisation?

- Mastering your language opens you up to your community, but also provides true access to citizenship. This is why France is so committed to fighting, at the national level, against the risk of acculturation and non-adaptation of the language to contemporary issues (beyond preservation, in a more conservative way, of a collective identity).

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BUSINESS

ANDREJ BESLAĆ, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT MLEKOPRODUKT, PART OF THE SAVENCIA GROUP

TOP QUALITY Is Our Vision Mlekoprodukt, a part of the Savencia Group, employs about 300 people and processes 30 million litres of milk annually. The company is continuously progressing and growing thanks to the innovations it brings to production and the very focused and creative development of its Biser brand

O

n the way to number one position on the market, we are looking at specialising the factory in premium semi-solid and processed cheeses, positioning the best products and services for consumers and finally an important breakthrough in the HORECA system using the wealth of products from the Savencia Group, announces Andrej Beslać

in Mlekoprodukt. The specificity of our market is reflected in higher consumption of fresh dairy products, as well as fresh white cheeses. However, we are very well known in the semi-hard cheese segment, such as kačkavalj, trapist, gouda and melted cheeses.

Do consumers in Serbia have similar demands to consumers in France and other EU countries? What are your bestYou are often quoted as the most successful privatisation selling products? in Serbia. How did Savencia opt for Serbia and how did tak- Each market has its own habits and is inclined towards its ing over the company go? traditional products. Our company’s product range is adapted - It is true that the privatisation of our company is cited as a to local habits and we are among the most recognisable in good example primarily because the staff and their satisfaction Serbia with our products. Like everywhere in the region, were in focus. Our jobs are safe, there were no redundancies we have fresh white, semi-hard and hard cheeses, while the after privatisation. Mlekoprodukt has an owner who invests French spend much more on soft blue in people, production, the purchasing The Savencia Group has helped cheeses. However, delicatessen cheeses, of milk from producers and, above all, quality. All parties in this process are us invest in the development of especially French, are becoming more and more popular all over the world, winners: company, state, staff, suppliers high quality products, as this including in our country. Thanks to the and consumers. is what consumers are looking Savencia Group, Mlekoprodukt is offering Mlekoprodukt was founded in 1947, a carefully chosen range of fine cheeses and in the 1980s it became one of the for and recognising from camembert and brie to creamy goat largest cheese producers in the former cheese and blue cheese under the Ile de France brand, as well Yugoslavia and a market leader. With the modernisation of as the famous delicacies Caprice des Dieux, Saint Aigur, Le the plant, the process of improving quality, creating the Biser Roustique, Tartar etc. brand and launching new products on the market, Mlekoprodukt once more has resources and ambitions.

What are your plans for the future, how do you see Mlekoprodukt in Serbia in five or 10 years?

Is Serbia distinguished by any specific characteristics in the - With the support of the Savencia Group, we have great future dairy sector and how has Savencia contributed to the develambitions to reach the first place in Serbia by market particiopment of this sector? pation in cheeses by 2021. We will achieve this by preserving - Our company had successfully operated on its own for six quality and making an effort to maintain leadership positions in decades, but Savencia has introduced new models of internal semi-hard and melted cheeses, and by taking premium market organisation that have improved our efficiency and eased in segments by launching various specialities such as Trapist quality control systems. Furthermore the exchange of experiSelekt and the Ile de France product range. ence with partners in the group means a lot to everyone here 40

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NENAD STOJANOVIĆ, DIRECTOR R.E.A.L. CONSULTING NEKRETNINE DOO

BUSINESS

Step Into The World Of LUXURY REAL ESTATE R.E.A.L. Consulting Nekretnine d.o.o. (Ltd.) has been on the market for eleven years. They are partners to many companies, diplomatic missions and foreign associations in Belgrade. The Agency is an active member of the French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce

T

he Agency’s work is based on leasing, sales or purchases of luxury real estate and our team consists of highly professional agents licensed by the Government of the Republic of Serbia.

The real estate in our offer includes houses, flats and offices in central city locations.

We use a modern and successful business concept to offer first-class services to our customers. Clearly defined processes and high standards of operation are our key to customer satisfaction. We are proud of long-term partnerships and full of trust, which have become our trademark.

This year, we have become authorised dealers for the sale of apartments in the project Belgrade Waterfront, a new urban centre worth three billion U.S. dollars, on 1.8 million square metres and developed by Eagle Hills. Special emphasis is placed on Belgrade Tower, the highest and most prominent modern construction in Serbia and the region. It will be an exhibit of modernity, a graceful building that will rise to a height of 168 metres, overlooking the River Sava and Kalemegdan Fortress. The observation point at the top of the Tower, with an exceptional panoramic 360-degree view, will be the most visited tourist attraction in the city.

Choose us and the ideal real estate will be yours!

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ARCHITECTURE : PARISIAN AESTHETICS

By Andrea Skupin-Kovačević

City

ARC DE TRIOMPHE

Made For Eternity

The history of the city of Paris, the capital of France since the 10th century, is inextricably linked to the history of France. Throughout all times and to this day, Paris has been at the heart of the political, economic and artistic life of France. The tracks and traces of that importance are visible throughout the majestic monuments, buildings, squares and avenues of the city of Paris 42

T

he history of Paris dates back more than 2,000 years, to the middle of the Third century BC, when the Celtic tribe of the Parisii settled on the banks of the river Seine in ancient Gaul. The fortified village they established was described by Julius Cesar as an oppidum (a large fortified Iron Age settlement) surrounded by rivers. The name of the city – Paris – was inspired by these first inhabitants. Following the Gallo-Roman wars, the Roman Empire expanded to the Paris region and the Romans founded the city of Lutetia.

Nowadays, the Roman baths (thermae) and amphitheatre are still among the city’s historical landmarks. The history of the city of Paris, the capital of France since the 10th century, is inextricably linked to the history of France: at the end of the

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NOTRE DAME DE PARIS, GORGOYLE VIEW

5th century, Clovis I, the first king of the Franks, united all Frankish tribes under his leadership and is therefore considered the first king of what would become France. Despite being born pagan, Clovis embraced Christianity. With his baptism in the city of Reims, he laid the cornerstone to the edifice that would become the future French kingdom, considered a beacon of European Christendom in the Middle Ages. And all French kings would later be crowned in Reims. The coronation ceremony itself bestowed on them the divine mission of ruling over the French people. The belief that kings served God’s will on Earth gave them immense power. This regal power reached its peak in the absolute monarchy of Louis XIV and his heirs. And that absolutism ended with the French Revolution of 1789, but until 1870, when France became a Republic, the political centre of different regimes was always maintained in Paris. It was in the 10th century that the kings of France choose Paris as their capital and the site of royal residence – first on the City Island, later at the Louvre, and finally at the Palace of Versailles, constructed at the behest of Louis XIV. The power of the kings of France and the domination of the church - later the First Empire, the July Monarchy, the Second Empire and the French Republic - have shaped the layout and development of the city. Throughout all times and to this day, Paris has been at the heart of the political, economic and artistic life of France. The tracks and traces of that importance are visible throughout the majestic monuments, buildings, squares and avenues of the city of Paris.

MEDIEVAL MONUMENTS Following the collapse of the Western Roman Empire (476AD) and the emergence of Christianity, the city of Paris became the heart of the king’s dominion. The city spread westwards from the east. The cradle of Paris lies on the City Island, Île de la Cité, which is considered the centre of the power of the whole country. The Royal Palace was built on the west of the island, with Notre-Dame Cathedral erected on its eastern side. The left bank housed Sorbonne University, in the middle of the Latin Quarter, and many monasteries. The right bank was the location of the proper borough, with the city hall, harbour and market.

The cradle of Paris lies on the City Island, Île de la Cité, which is considered the centre of the power of the whole country.

The Royal Palace was built on the west of the island, with Notre-Dame Cathedral erected on its eastern side in the 12th and 13th centuries. The monuments of that era can be considered eternal buildings The monuments of that era can be considered eternal buildings - Notre-Dame Cathedral, built in the 12th and 13th centuries, remains standing to this day as one of Christianity’s pre-eminent houses of worship, with an emotional charge equal to that of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The greatness of the former French kingdom is represented by the royal chapel Sainte-Chapelle, which is said to have housed Christ’s crown of thorns until the French Revolution, which is now part of the treasury of Notre-Dame, and the Conciergerie building, which bore witness to the political centralisation of the Middle Ages.

The spirit of medieval times is still partly preserved and can be discovered by strolling around on City Island and the Latin Quarter. In the Latin Quarter, the 5th arrondissement, you can enjoy the small, narrow streets and old, single-storey houses that were once the centre of craftsmen and guilds, and home to the students of the Sorbonne.

ABSOLUTISM (17TH & 18TH CENTURIES) Parisian architecture evolved during the reign of the Bourbon dynasty. Henri de Bourbon became king of France in 1689. Drawing inspiration from Rome’s imperial squares, he transformed the architecture of the French capital. Paris is a city that grew slowly and in concentric circles, with typically dark and narrow medieval streets. Henri IV established large squares in the middle of what was then a chaotic city. Those squares are named as Places Royales – Royal Squares. A royal square always has a geometrical form and is surrounded by unified architecture.

A royal statue is erected at the centre to glorify the king.

These principles are maintained in all of Paris’s royal squares.

The Place Dauphine, the first royal square, is located on City Island. Its triangular shape embraces the form of the island’s tip. The equestrian statue of Henri IV overlooks the square 43

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periphery, three concentric rings have shaped the street systems, which follow the lines of former city walls. The Grand Boulevards, former fortifications and city borders of the 14th century, built by King Charles V, shaped the contours of the first circle along the Opéra Garnier and the Arc de Triomphe of Louis XIV. The second circle was shaped by the Wall of the Ferme Générale – General Farm (1784 - 1790), which authorised tax farmers to collect taxes for incoming goods. This wall limited the city’s extension until the rise of Napoleon III in the Second Empire. The Emperor decided to enlarge the city by annexing the surrounding villages to the capital and launched immense transformation works inside the then still medieval city centre. A large demolition and construction campaign was launched in the second half of LOUVRE MUSEUM PYRAMID

Parisian architecture evolved during the reign of the Bourbon dynasty. Henri de Bourbon became king of France in 1689. Drawing inspiration from Rome’s imperial squares, he transformed the architecture of the French capital standing in the centre of the Pont Neuf, the New Bridge, which is the oldest standing stone bridge in Paris, built in 1607. The square is dedicated to the king’s son and heir, Louis XIII. The Place des Vosges also dates back to the time of Henri IV. Its 36 pavilions, with the pavilion of the queen and the king in the north and south, surround an open and sun-drenched square that is emphasised with and equestrian statue of Louis XIII at its centre. Louis XIV commissioned the Place Vendôme and the Place de la Victoire (Victory square), so he would be honoured by the population. The Place de la Concorde (square of peace) was built under the reign of Louis XV and connects the right bank to the river and the historical axis of the Champs Élysées. With the construction of the royal squares, the kings of the House of Bourbon introduced the first wave of modernity, progress and values of architectural beauty in the city’s layout – as a precursor to the future architectural philosophy. The squares, dedicated to the greatness and majesty of the French God-given monarchy, are havens of beauty and light that were way ahead of their time.

THE SECOND EMPIRE AND THE THIRD REPUBLIC The development of the city’s structure throughout the centuries is still visible today on the city’s map and in the structure of its urban planning: from the centre to the 44

LOUIS VUITTON FOUNDATION

the 19th century, giving Paris its modern face. Prefect Baron Haussmann, responsible for the reconstruction campaign, ordered the demolition of 20,000 old, often timber framed houses in the ancient quarter of Saint Germain des Près, the City Island, the Louvre and the Latin Quarter. Large, straight avenues were created, spreading in the form of a star from the centre to the city limits and creating the shape of a spider’s web. New, modern apartment buildings made of limestone were constructed; known as the Haussmannian Architecture - six storeys high and decorated with cast iron balconies, originally on the second and fourth floors. These balconies create a view of extending lines to a vanishing point at the end of the straight avenues. The avenues were bordered with trees in order to introduce greenery to the urban hub.

The layout was meant to emphasise beautiful and majestic perspectives, to filter the growing traffic and allow more light to enter the city. The most emblematic construction and masterpiece of this period is the Opera Garnier (1862 - 1875, Charles Garnier), positioned at the heart of the modern Paris of the Second Empire on the right bank of the city. Haussmann established a height limit of 37 metres on buildings in the inner arrondissements (districts) of Paris, which remains a rule of Parisian urbanism to this day. Some 40,000 Haussmannian

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building were constructed in the old city and the newly designed districts, raising the number of arrondissements from 12 to 20, and today 80 per cent of Paris’s building are still of Haussmannian architecture. Haussmann extended the city limits of Paris to the Thiers Wall, a fortification built during the July Monarchy (1841 - 1844) and demolished in 1919. These borders still represent the outer limits of Paris, doubled by the ring road highway around the city.

MODERN CONSTRUCTION Due to the growing population of Paris, the Parisian administration is today considering the future enlargement of this metropolis – a project dubbed Grand Paris. Since the 1970s, modern architectural structures have been creating new landmarks in the city and beyond its borders. They are meant to create a link in time and space between the historical city and the modern, contemporary living space; they can be seen as a communicative dialogue between the past, the present and the future: The Centre Pompidou (1977, Renzo Piano, Richard Rogers, Gianfranco Franchini) was the first major project in this sense. The Piazza, a large square in front of the building, links the Centre Pompidou to the very dense surrounding quarter and invites visitors to rest and admire the colourful and transparent architecture of tubes and glass.

GRANDE ARCHE DE LA DÉFENSE

Monumental bays allow communication between the internal and the external, the traditional and the modern. Like many kings and emperors before him, former President François Mitterand commissioned outstanding new monuments to emphasise the progressive urban vision of Paris and in order to be remembered through them. At the time of its construction, the Pyramid of the Louvre (1989, Ieoh Ming Pei, Roger Nicolet) was a very sensitive matter to Parisians and provoked

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MUSEUM QUAI BRANLY

Louis XIV commissioned the Place Vendôme and the Place de la Victoire (Victory square), so he would be honoured by the population. The Place de la Concorde (square of peace) was built under the reign of Louis XV and connects the right bank to the river and the historical axis of the Champs Élysées many controversial discussions. The pyramid was intended to modernise and embellish the classicist Palais du Louvre. The pyramid, composed of 673 glass panels held together by an iron structure, symbolises the eternal aspect of the Louvre and offers a new interpretation of the eternal pyramids of Giza.

The Grande Arche de la Défense (1989, Johan Otto von Spreckelsen, Paul Andreu, Peter Rice) at the heart of the city’s modern central business district of skyscrapers, extends the so-called historical axis desired by Louis XIV, the Sun King. It stands in the perspective of the Louvre, Concorde Square, the Champs Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe. A gate that opens Paris up to the world – intense, impressive and geometric – the Arche stands at the crossroads of communication and intercultural encounters, as the bearer of French and humanist values.

The Library François Mitterand (1995, Dominique Perrault) houses the National Library of France and has its origins and funds in the 14th century. An initiatory building, it is displayed like four open books at a 90° angle due to the high and transparent verticality of its glass walls. The project is a piece of Urban Art, a minimalist installation, where “less is more” in terms of emotion.

As a reference in eastern Paris, it suits the continuity of the suc46

cession of great voids along the Seine, such as Concorde Square, the Champs de Mars and the esplanade of the Invalides. The Museum Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac (2006, Jean Nouvel) is an audacious building conceived as a showcase for the collections of non-European primary cultures. Jean Nouvel emancipated himself from the occidental architectural references to create a bridge between cultures. The result is a mysterious edifice composed of fluid curves. Multicoloured “boxes” seem to be suspended and encrusted in the façade, providing intimate spaces in the museum’s interior. The façade is protected by dense vegetation and a glass palisade, which the visitor must cross to discover the site and receive the invitation to a passionate journey. The Cité de la Mode et du Design - les Docks (2012, Jakob & Macfarlane) is an architectural transformation

PLACE VENDÔME

project of the former merchandise docks of Paris, built in 1907.

The façade was transformed to create a glass construction of a bright, fluorescent green in wave form, combined with wood and iron. A carpet of grass on the roof reflects the colour of the building. The Boulogne Wood’s Louis Vuitton Foundation (2014, Frank Gehry) houses the Museum of Contemporary and Modern Art. This audacious and poetic construction offers a different approach to conventional architecture. This powerful structure plays with gravity, spreading volumes that defy the clouds. Innovative, the building provokes a visual rapture revisiting the idea of perspectives. With its narrative, the site invents a new futurist concept raising surprise and emotion. The Canopy of Les Halles (2016, Patrick Berger, Jacques Anziutti), made of green-tinted iron and glass, draws its inspiration from the curves of vegitation. The canopy actually represents the upper part of forests in direct contact with the atmosphere and the rays of the sun. Since the demolition of the famous market halls of Baltard in 1970, the quarter of the medieval market has seen a lot of transformations, such as the disappearance of Pavilions Willerval, which was demolished to make way for the canopy.

Paris was, and always will be, an inspiration for culture, art and architecture; a melting pot of progressive and innovative ideas guiding the metropolis towards the future.

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FRENCH FASHION

By Sara Brajović

Liberté, égalité,

SENSUALITÉ!

JOSEPHINE BONAPARTE

M

arie Antoinette gave so much importance to fashion that she had her own dressmaker, Rose Bertin. Her large, ostentatious gowns ensured that their wearer occupied at least three times as much space as her male counterparts, thus making the woman a more imposing presence. Her creations also established France as the centre of the fashion industry, and from then on dresses made in Paris were sent to London, Venice, Vienna, Saint Petersburg and Constantinople. It was this inimitable Parisian elegance that established the global reputation of French couture.

Josephine Bonaparte also played a key role in the innovation of traditional court attire.

If we're going to start anywhere with French fashion, we should begin chronologically with the 17th Century and the lavish style of Louis XIV, the Sun King. Apart from gaining repute for building the opulent Palace of Versailles, he also became well known for his exquisite attire and introduction of the textile trade to France.

He ensured that France was to be an authority and destination for the highest quality materials

Josephine was among the first to adopt the daring neoGreek dress style, setting trends during a period that is regarded by costume and fashion historians as one of the most creative periods in the history of ladies-wear. Corsets and highly structured Panier ( basket) gowns were replaced by lighter materials, even with some occasional textile transparency.

The 19th Century saw the emergence of Couture Houses in Paris, most notably Worth Couture, which was founded by an Englishman and Madelaine Vionnet, who was famous for her bias cut and sensual dresses.

The most famous and iconic French fashion house established in the early 20th century was of course Chanel. The 47

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YSL and his muses – Betty Cathroux, Lou Lou de la Falaise and Catherine Deneuve – embodied that which YSL wanted to give to women: POWER

INES DE LA FRESSANGE, CHANEL

innovation that Coco Chanel brought to fashion following the rigidly structured period of the 19th century was remarkable.

She wanted to free women. She shunned uncomfortable garments like the corset, which forced the female upper body into a certain shape, and insisted on free-flowing designs that became very popular during the 1920s.

Christian Dior became popular after World War II, when he revolutionised fashion with a new look. Characterised by a narrowed waistline and A-line skirt that reached mid-calf, Dior’s pioneering style transformed the female silhouette, though it initially drew a lot of criticism due to the amount of fabric needed to produce his garments. Feminists like Chanel were outraged, arguing that his restrictive and regressive designs took away women’s independence.

And then came the brief period of London’s dominance in the swinging ‘60s, when the UK took the spotlight away from France. It was then that Paco Rabanne worked in France to dress iconic singer Françoise Hardy and also to create the iconic metallic dress that Jane Fonda would wear in the cult science fiction film Barbarella, directed by Roger Vadim.

The inimitable Yves Saint Laurent arrived in the mid-60s and had become highly popular by the 1970s. YSL introduced a number of men’s jackets to the female wardrobe – namely ‘Le smoking’ – and was the first couturier to produce a ready-towear collection. Saint Laurent and his muses – Betty Cathroux, Lou Lou de la Falaise and Catherine Deneuve – embodied that which YSL wanted to give to women: POWER. Extravagance is the power of Haute Couture houses like the surrealist Schiaparelli, founded in the 1920s, and the enfant terrible of the 1980s, Jean Paul Gaultier. Their 48

YVES SAINT LAURENT AND CATHERINE DENEUVE

Haute Couture shows are always fun to watch, with the imagination really placed in the service of dreams and the impossible.

The essence of French fashion chic today is probably in line with its historically constant need for freedom and no restrictions. Total head-to-toe designer looks are ridiculed and nothing too girlie is favoured. Not thinking too much about fashion – just putting things together and seeing what emerges – is the motto. Effortlessly cool is the slogan of French women. A girl in Paris today needs a tuxedo jacket, a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt as her fashion essentials.

If we look back at some of the French fashion muses of the past, such as Deneuve, Brigitte Bardot, Jane Birkin and Françoise Hardy, it was always much more about character than showing off one’s personal style and just having that je ne sais quoi… Think of Bardot, with her pouting lips, flat shoes and simple, well-fitting clothes. There was nothing screaming for attention, yet we just couldn’t stop looking.

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FRANCOISE HARDY

BRIGITTE BARDOT

In recent fashion times, we can’t overlook Isabel Marant, a Parisian brand founded in the ‘90s that defines fashion’s gold standard of cool-girl Parisienne chic. The style is again effortless, which is the quintessential characteristic of the French girl’s uniform. Jacquemus would be the hottest new thing to come out of France in terms of the latest designers, and he has quickly amassed a cult following. His clothes would be perfect for the French film La Piscine, with Alain Delon, Romy Schneider and Jane Birkin – sensuality, French sassiness and sunshine happiness.

Another contemporary success is represented by the creations of Roger Vivier. His shoes are the quintessential Parisienne’s signature and can be seen regularly on their ambas-

sador, Ines de la Fressange, who epitomises Gallic elegance.

ROUJE by Jeanne Damas, with just the right amount of sex appeal. Rouje perfectly embodies the effortless, je ne sais quoi Parisian attitude we’re all trying to master. Wear Rouje and you immediately feel like a French girl. I love this season’s updated colour palette of creams, lilacs, greens and peach. Moreover, designer Damas creates highly wearable, everyday pieces that look great on everyone.

According to the current fashion pack’s muse, Caroline de Maigret: “The Parisienne never gives too much away. When it comes to revealing herself, she follows one golden rule: Less is definitely more. It’s all about character.”

The show must go on ... vive la Liberté, égalité, sensualité!

Extravagance is the power of Haute Couture houses such as the surrealist Schiaparelli, founded in the 1920s, and Jean Paul Gaultier, the enfant terrible of the 1980s

JACQUEMUS

CAROLINE DE MAIGRET 49

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COMPANY REGISTER ADECCO OUTSOURCING Vladimira Popovića 40, 11000 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0) 11 7121 709 E-mail: ¡nfo.srbija@adecco.com www.adecco.rs ADRIA MEDIA GROUP Vlajkovićeva 8,11000 Belgrade Tel:+381 (0) 11 6357100 E-mail: office@adriamedia. rs www.adriamediagroup.com ADVOKATSKA KANCELARIJA ATANASKOVIC – BOŽOVIĆ Zmaj Jovina 4,11000 Belgrade Tel:+381 (0) 11 2628 672 E-mail: offlce@ atanaskovic-bozovic.com www.atonaskovic-bozovic.com ADVOKATSKA KANCELARIJA MARIĆ I MUJEZINOVIĆ U SARADNJI SA KINSTELLAR Bulevar Mihaila Pupina 10L, 11070 Belgrade Tel:+381 (0) 11 3210 200 E-mall:branislav.maric@ zakmmlaw.rs www.zakmmlaw.rs ADVOKATSKA KANCELARIJA MIROSLAV STOJANOVIĆ U SARADNJI SA WOLFTHEISS PC Ušće, Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 6,11070 Belgrade Tel: +381(0) 11 3302 900 E-mail: Belgrade@ wolftheiss.com www.wolftheiss.com ADVOKATSKA KANCELARIJA PETROVIĆ MOJSIĆ & PARTNERS Vlajkovićeva 12,11000 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0)11 32 40 378 E-mail: office@law-firm.rs www.law-firm.rs AGS BELGRADE Višnjička 91,11060 Belgrade Tel:+381 (0) 11 2085 917 E-mail: bojan.stojadinovic@ ags-globalsolutions.com www.agsmovers.com AIR FRANCE Svetogorska 7L, 11000 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0)11 3287 908 E-mail: jelenabanac@airfrance.fr (contact for Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia) www.airfrance.rs ALEEGO S.R.O Slapskà 1, Prague 100 00, République tchèque Tel: +420 (0) 721 976 515 E-mail: info@aleego.com www.aleego.com ALEXANDER HUGHES S Vladimira Popovića 38-30, 11070 Novi Belgrade Tel:+381 (0)61 6687 611 E-mail: belgrade@ alexanderhughes.com www.alexanderhughes.com ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL MEDIA Makenzijeva 67,11000 Belgrade

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Tel: + 381 (0) 11 24 50 508 E-mail: office@aim.rs www.cordmagazine.com ALSTOM Ulica grada Vukovara 284, Zagreb Tel: + 385 1 2446 551 E-mail: djurica.misin@ alstom.com www.alstom.com ALTERNATIVE CONSULTING BELGRADE Risanska 6,11000 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0) 11 2681 079 E-mail: ¡nfo@ alternative-consulting.com www.altemative-consulting.com APAVE VERTECH Jugoslovenska 2/13a, 11030 Železnik, Belgrade Tel: 381 (0) 66 8023 403 E-mail: office.rs@apave.com www.apave.rs ASP SERBIA Bulevar Zorana Đinđića 67, 11000 Belgrade Tel:+381 (0) 11 4126 077 E-mail: aspserbia@ argusgroup.eu www.aspbalkans.com ARHI.PRO Cerska 29,11000 Belgrade Tel:+381 (0)11 3089 627 E-malI: office@arhipro.com www.arhipro.com ASTERIE Topličin venac 3/1V, 11102 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0) 66 96 69 791 E-mail: aleksandar.gavriloskI@ asterie.fr www.asterie.fr ATOS IT SOLUTIONS AND SERVICES BELGRADE Danila Lekića Španca 31, 11070 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0) 11 3012 200 E-mail: info.it-solutions.rs@ atos.net www.atos.net/srbija AUTO NENA STILL Cara Dušana 205a, 11080 Zemun Tel:+381 (0) 11 3072 500 E-mail: office@autonena.rs www.peugeot.rs AVTONOVA KAB Radnička 22,11000 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0)11 35 38 555 E-mail: office@citroen.rs www.citroen.rs

BOYDEN WEST BALKANS (TONCHEW ADVISORY ASSOCIATES) Kosovska 8,11000 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0)11 33 44 064, +381 (0)64 0060 660 E-mail: etonchew@boydert.com www.boyden.cometonchew@ boydert.com BUREAU VERITAS Vladimira Popovića 6, A204/II, 11070 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0) 11 6149 312 E-mail: office@bureauveritas.rs www.bureauveritas.rs CBS INTERNATIONAL Omladinskih brigada 88b, 11070 Belgrade Tel:+381 (0)11 22 58 777 E-mail: : office@cw-cbs.rs www.cw-cbs.rs CL JURA OGRANAK Svetogorska 71,11000 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0)11 4511 170 E-mail: sacha.stajkovic@ coquelle.pro www.coquelle.pro CMA CGM POMORSKA AGENCIJA Milutina Milankovića 23/Ulaz 1,11000 Belgrade Tel: + 381 (0) 11 30 11 989 E-mail: bgd.sstanojevic@ cma-cgm. com www.cma-cgm.com COFACE SRBIJA Bulevar Oslobođenja 111, 11000 Belgrade Tel:+381 (0)11 39 10 844 E-mail: office-rs@coface.com www.coface.rs COLAS RAIL Maglajska 24,11000 Belgrade Tel: + 381 (0) 60 43 00 806 E-mail: alain.couchot@ colasrail.com www.colasrail.com CRÉDIT AGRICOLE SRBIJA Braće Ribnikara 4-6, 21000 Novi Sad Tel: +381(0) 21 4876 876 E-mail: info@creditagricole.rs www.creditagricole.rs COLOR MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS Štrosmajerova 3, 21132 Petrovaradin Tel:+381 (0) 11 4044 966 E-mail: ruza.ristanovic@color.rs www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

AXEREAL SERBIA Kotorska 64,21000 Novi Sad Tel: +381 (0) 21 53 22 12 E-mail: info.serbia@axereal.com www.axereal.rs

CROWE RS Majke Jevrosime 23, 11000 Belgrade Tel:+381 (0)11 65 58 500 E-mail: office@crowe.rs www.crowe.rs

BETWEEN Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 10 Z, lokal VP 63, 11070 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0) 64 360 6652 E-mail: info@between.rs www.between.rs

DELICE - GASTRONOMIJA I POKLONI-VRAČAR Njegoševa 52,11000 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0)11 243 71 89 E-mail: marija.allain@delice.rs www.delice.rs

ECOCERT BALKAN Glavna 13M/III, 11080 Belgrade-Zemun Tel:+381 (0)11 219 8352 E-mail: offlce.balkan@ ecocert.com www.ecocert.rs; www.ecocert.com ELEKTROVAT Šumatovačka 124/6, 11000 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0) 11 3985 233 E-mail: info@etektrovat.net www.elektrovat.net ELSYS EASTERN EUROPE Omladinskih brigada 88b, Airport City, 11000 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0) 11 3535 200 E-mail: contact@ elsys-eastern.com www.elsys-eastem.com ENELPS Zelengorska 1G, 11070 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0) 11 3132 113 E-mail: office@enelps.com www.enelps.com EUROIMPEX AUTOGROUP & INOTO MOTORS Višnjička 53A, 11060 Belgrade-Palilula Tel: +381 (0)11 20 22 300/333 E-mail: office@ euroimpex-autogroup.rs www.peugeot.rs,www.inoto.rs EXCELSIOR Kneza Miloša 5,11000 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0) 11 144 02 900 E-mail: hblel@accor.com www.accorhotels.com FREYSSINET Bulevar Arsenija Čarnojevića 104/2,11070 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0)11 40 613 55 E-mall: fob@freyssinet.com www.freyssinetrs GEFCO BELGRADE Bulevar Vojvode Mišića 15a, 11000 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0) 11 40 04 310 E-mail: lidija.saronjic@gefco.net www.gefco.net GENERALI OSIGURANJE SRBIJA Vladimira Popovića 8, 11070 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0) 11 20 11 703

E-mail: zorana.vrancic@ generali.rs www.generali.rs GEODIS S.C.O. Milutina Milankovića 9ž, 11070 Novi Belgrade Tel: +381(0)11 715 4250 E-malI: reception.beigrade@ geodis.com www.geodis.com GRADIENT Vuka Vrčevića bb, 11000 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0) 11 3295 811 E-mall: office@gradient.rs www.gradient.rs HAVAS ADRIATIC Koče Kapetana 47, 11000 Belgrade Tel:+381 (0)11 3674 772 E-mall: office.serbia@ havasmedia.com rs.havas.com HEADS ADRIATIC Đorđa Stanojevića 12, 11070 Belgrade Tel:+381 (0)11 415 6200 E-mail: office@ headsadriatic.com www.headsadriatlc.com HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS BELGRADE-CITY Ruzveltova 23,11000 Belgrade Tel: + 381 (0)11 414 46 70 E-mail: info@hiexbelgrade.com www.hiexpress.com/belgrade, www.hiexbeigrade.com

JPM JANKOVIĆ POPOVIĆ MITIĆ Vladimira Popovića 6, 11070 Belgrade Tel: +381(0) 11 2076 850 E-mail: office@jpm.rs www.jpm.rs LAFARAEBFC Trg BFC1,21300 Beočin Tel: +381 (0) 21 874 102; +381 (0) 11 655 120 E-mail: snezana.petrovic@ lafargeholcim.com LE BÉLIER KIKINDA Miloševački put 34, 23300 Kikinda Tel:+381 (0)230 411 000 E-mail:lbk@lebelier.rs www.lebelier.com LESAFFRE RS Milutina Milankovića 11b, 11070 Novi Belgrade Tel:+381 (0)11 6556 550 E-mail: office@lesaffre.rs www.iesaffre.rs LEGRAND ELECTRIC Bulevar Zorana Đinđića 144b, 11070 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0) 11 38 35 060, +381 (0)11 383 52 00 E-mail: bureau.belgrade@ legrandelectric.com www.legrand.rs LOHR BAČKA TOPOLA Bečejski put 31, 24300 BačkaTopla Tel: +381(0)24 240 300 E-malI: office@lohrbt.com www.lohr.fr

HIT AUTO Staro sajmište 29, 11070 Novi Belgrade Tel: +381 (0) 11 2018 025 E-mail: marketing @ hitauto. rs www.hitauto.rs

L’ORÉAL BALKAN Bulevar Zorana Đinđića 64a, 11070 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0) 11 2205 900 www.loreal.com

HUTCHINSON Industrijska 71, 22400 Ruma Tel: +381 (0) 22 2155 753 E-mail: olivier.chateau@ hutchinson.com.pl

MAMA SHELTER BELGRADE Kneza Mihaila 54a, 11000 Belgrade Tel:+381 (0)11 3333 000 E-mail: belgrade@ mamashelter.com www.mamashelter.com

HYATT REGENCY BELGRADE Milentija Popovića 5, 11070 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0) 11 30 11 234 E-mail: belgrade.regency@ hyatt. com www.hyattregencybelgrade.com

MANPOWER Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 115v, 11070 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0) 11 414 3094 E-mail: office@manpower.rs www.manpower.rs

BUSINESS PARTNER

MARIĆ, MALIŠIĆ, DOSTANIĆ Resavska 32,11000 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0) 11 3024 900 E-mail: maric@mmd -associates.com www.mmd-associates.com MECAFOR PRODUCTS Vuka Karadžića 70, 23300 Kikinda Tel: +381 (0) 230 315 037 E-mail: nnedeljkovic@ mecafor-lfa.com www.la-fonte-ardennaise.com MEDIJSKA KUĆA PRIČE SA DUŠOM Kanarevo brdo 4/16, 11090 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0) 64 11 24 409 E-mail: nenad@ pricesadusom. com www.pricesadusom.com, bienvenueenserbie.rs MK GROUP Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 115e, 11000 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0) 11 3539 539 E-mail: info@mkgroup.rs www.mkgroup.rs MLEKOPRODUKT Temišvarski drum 24, 23000 Zrenjanin Tel: +381(0)23 540 830 E-mail: biser@mlekoprodukt.com www.mlekoprodukt.com NO-KAČI 6 Ličke divizije 80v, 11000 Belgrade Tel:+381 (0)11 3053 656 E-mail: office@nokachi.rs www.nokachi.rs PAXTON EQUITY Golsvordijeva 16/5, 11000 Belgrade Tel:+381(0)63 428 798 E-mail: jovana.maric@ paxtonequlty.com www.paxtonequlty.com PERNOD RICARD SRBIJA Bulevar Oslobođenja 211, 11000 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0) 11 309 1500 E-mail: vladimir.pavlovic@ pernod-ricard.com www.pernod-ricard.com PHOSPHEA DANUBE Kneza Miloša 93,11000 Belgrade Tel:+ 381 (0) 11 635 1260 E-mail: ognjen.farkas@ phosphea.com www.phosphea.com PIXEL INC. Braće Nedića 20,11000 Belgrade Tel:+381 (0)63 601 818 E-mail: apetrovic@pixelinc.eu www.plxellnc.eu PLAST & METAL BALKANS Industrijska zona, 35250 Paraćin Tel:+33 (0)3 21 62 61 61 E-mail: jeróme.lobel@ artoisplastiques.fr www.plastetmetal.fr PRÍCEWATERHOUSECOOPERS Omladinskih brigada 88a,

11070 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0) 11 3302 100 E-mail: re-office@rs.pwc.com www.pwc.rs QUANTOX TECHNOLOGY Kneza Vase Popovića 38, 32000 Čačak Tel: +381 (0) 62 66 75 33 E-mail: info@quantox.com www.quantox.com R.E.A.L. CONSULTING NEKRETNINE Kičevska 3,11000 Belgrade Tel: + 381 (0) 11 403 25 65 E-mail: office@fbg.rs www.flatrentbelgrade.com RENAULT NISSAN SRBIJA Omladinskih brigada 90v, 11070 Belgrade Tel: + 381 (0) 11 271 8111 E-mail: kontakt@renault.com www.renault.rs RENAULTTRUCKS Svetosavska 213, Novi Banovci Tel:+381 (0)22 366 600 E-mail: slobodan.vucic@ renault-trucks.rs www.renauit-trucks.rs SAFIC-ALEAN ADRIATIC Uroša Martinovića 5/50, 11070 Novi Belgrade Tel: + 381 (0)11 40 80 753 E-mail: dejan.djordjevic@ safic-aican.rs www.safic-aican.com SAINT-GOBAIN Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 115D, V sprat, Novi Belgrade Tel: +381 (0) 11 3149 681; +381 (0) 11 2282 444 E-mail: lana.pocuca@ saint-gobain.com www.saint-gobain.rs SAMSIC Milutina Mllankovića 7v, 11070 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0)11 2252 660 E-mail: office@samsic-see.com www.samsic-see.com SANDERS SH Industrijska zona bb, 21235 Temerin Tel:+381 (0) 21 845 854 E-mail: office@sanders.rs www.sanders.rs SANOFI-AVENTIS Španskih boraca 3/VÍ, 11070 Novi Belgrade Tel: +381(0) 11 44 22 900 E-malI: info.serbia@sanofi.com www.sanofi.com SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC SRBIJA Vladimira Popovića 38-40, 11070 Belgrade Tel: + 381 (0) 11 3773 100 E-mail: podrska.klijentima@se. com www.se.com/rs SERBIAN BUSINESS SYSTEMS Beogradska 39,11000 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0) 11 3302 501 E-mall: contact@sbs.rs www.sbs.rs

SERVIER Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 10L, 11070 Belgrade Tel:+381(0)11 4240 050 E-mail: info@rs.mailgrs.com www.servier.rs SKY PARTNER RS Aerodrom “Nikola Tesla” Boegrad Tel: +381 (0) 11 2286 160 E-mail: office@sky-partner.rs www.sky-partner.rs SLADARA SOUFFLET SRBIJA Industrijska zona 2, 21400 Bačka Palanka Tel: +381 (0) 21 752 910 www.soufflet.com SOCIÉTÉ GENERALE SRBIJA Bulevar Zorana Đinđića 50 a/b, 11070 Novi Belgrade Tel: + 381 (0)11 3011 400 E-mail: sgs.office@socgen.com www.societegenerale.rs SOCIÉTÉ GÉNÉRALE OSIGURANJE Bulevar Zarana Đinđića 50A/B, 11070 Belgrade Tel:+381 (0) 11 2608 665 E-maiI: info.osiguranje@ socgen.com www.sogeosiguranje.rs SOCOMEC SICON - OGRANAK BELGRADE Ugrinovački put 1ON, 11000 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0) 11 4043 240 E-mail: info.rs@socomec.com www.socomec.com SOMBOLED Gakovački put bb, 25000 Sombor Tel:+381 (0)25 467 300 E-malI: lnfo@rs.lactalls.com www.somboled.rs SQUARE NINE BELGRADE Studentski trg 9, 11000 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0)11 3333 500 E-mail: reservations@ squarenine.rs www.squarenine.rs STREIT NOVA Evropska 11, 22300 Stara Pazova Tel: +381 (0) 22 321 299; +381 (0) 22 321 965 E-mail: a.skulic@groupe-streit. com (Serbian Plant) ; communication@groupe-streit. com (Sales Enquiry) www.groupe-streit.com SUEZ VINČA OPERATOR Tošin Bunar 272/V 2 sprat, 11000 Beogard Tel: +381 (0) 11 715 4884 E mail: marko.milacic@suez.com SUPERBAKE Strahinjića Bana 80, 11000 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0) 63 21 12 99 E-mail: superbakebg@gmail.com www.superbake.org TIGAR TYRES Nikole Pašića 213, 18300 Pirot

Tel: +381 10 215 70 00 E-mail: milena.tosic@ michelin.com TELEKOMUNIKACIJE RAČUNARI I SERVISI Varvarinska 14a, 11000 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0)11 3129 751 E-mail: trs@trservices.rs www.trservices.rs

total.com www.totalserbia.com UNICREDIT BANK SRBIJA Rajićeva 27-29,11000 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0) 11 3777 888 E-malI: UniCreditOffice@ unicreditgroup.rs www.unicreditbank.rs

TIMACAGRO BALKANS Temerinska 76, 21000 Novi Sad Tel: +381 (0) 21 472 70 20 E-mail: office@rs.timacagm.com www.timacagro.rs

VEOLIA WATER SOLUTIONS & TECHNOLOGIES Makedonska 30, 11000 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0) 11 303 5427 E-mail: office.Belgrade@ veolia.com www.veolia.com

TOTAL SERBIA Milentija Popovića 5a, 11070 Novi Belgrade Tel: +381 (0)11 6149 203 E-mail: aleksandra.misanovic@

VINCI AIRPORTS SERBIA 11180 Belgrade 59 Tel: +381 (0) 11 20 94 802 E-mail: kabinet@beg.aero www.beg.aero

WINEART Strahinjića Bana 25, 11000 Belgrade Tel: + 381 (0)11 305 94 99, + 381(0) 62 434 707 E-mail: office@wineart.rs www.wineart.rs XPRO Baja Pivljanina 53a, 11000 Belgrade Tel: +381 (0)11 3630 222 E-mail: office@xpro.rs www.xpro.rs YUTON Šumatovačka 8, Vračar, 11000 Belgrade Tel:+381 (0)11 404 4850 E-mall: yuton@yuton.biz www.gaston.cz

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