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July | France 2021

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COMMENT

Same Friendship, Different Battles The narrative of good bilateral relations between France and Serbia was based on strong historical ties for a long time, with little progress achieved on political and economic cooperation.

Nowadays, however, things look very different, with lots of bilateral talks taking place at the highest level and addressing topics like regional peace and stability, the normalisation of relations with Pristina and the fight against organised crime and terrorism, economic cooperation, the green agenda, digitalisation and social welfare.

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any media outlets throughout Europe, including the omnipresent Politico, are deliberating on the future of Europe after German chancellor Angela Merkel steps down in September. Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron were seen as the driving force behind EU policies, and France is particularly credited with having shaped EU responses related to some of the most pressing issues faced by the Union. They include the recovery fund that was conceived in the Elysée and represents a ground-breaking change in the way the EU responded to the crisis caused by COVID-19 compared to its response to the crisis of 2008.

As Politico put it, Paris’ intellectual framework for EU independence and geopolitical relevance, known as “strategic autonomy”, formed the essence of the bloc’s recent initiative with China.

Indeed, effective Franco-German cooperation is needed for the implementation of this and other important tasks, such as the reform of the EU’s fiscal rules, as well as in the Western Balkans.

Here we have witnessed France’s increasing interest in Serbia’s EU accession agenda, the continuation of Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and economic progress.

French-Serbian bilateral relations have certainly been very dynamic over the course of the past two years, during which important political visits were made and business deals struck. Among the political visits, the first and most important include the official visit of President Macron to Serbia in July 2019, followed by two bilateral talks held in Paris in July 2020 and February 2021, but also telephone conversations.

If President Macron visits Serbia by the end of

We are witnessing France’s increasing interest in Serbia’s EU accession agenda and economic cooperation this year, this would provide another sign that France has placed Serbia high on its agenda.

Developments on the economic front have been equally dynamic. The largest French-Serbian investment projects -- the concession for Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport and the project to sanitise Belgrade’s Vinča landfill and construct a municipal waste processing plant – were implemented in 2018, followed by the accelerating of work on the project to construct the Belgrade metro rail system. Then, in 2019, the French Development Agency opened its regional office in Belgrade. During the COVID-19 pandemic,

French and Serbian delegations met in person several times, with those meetings crowned in November 2020 with the visit of Franck Riester, French Minister of Trade and Economic Attractiveness, and the signing of an important agreement on economic cooperation.

Elsewhere, fruitful cooperation was achieved in the domain of defence and security, resulting in the visit of General François Lecointre, Chief of Staff of the French Armed Forces.

In summary, the historical background for good bilateral relations that were forged during World War I, when Frenchmen and Serbs fought side-by-side, is now receiving a modern sequel in which battles are being fought in some new areas, such as regional peace and stability, the normalisation of relations with Pristina, the fight against organised crime and terrorism, economic cooperation, the green agenda, digitalisation and social welfare.

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INTERVIEW H.E. JEAN-LOUIS FALCONI, AMBASSADOR OF FRANCE TO SERBIA

Very Dynamic Relations

Serbia is a country that matters a lot to France, at both the regional and international levels. It is an EU candidate country, which we support actively, and a major player in the Balkans. We also have common challenges, such as regional peace and stability; the normalisation of relations with Pristina and the fight against organised crime and terrorism. At the end of the day, what impacts Serbia, either positively or negatively, impacts us, and vice versa ~ Jean-Louis Falconi

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uring the time of the global lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a noticeable intensifying of direct communication between the presidents of France and Serbia. Strengthening economic cooperation, supporting Serbia’s European integration process, and particularly resolving the “Kosovo knot”, were high on the agenda of President Emmanuel Macron. Despite the reinvigorating of relations with Serbia, France is not taking sides, says Ambassador Jean-Louis

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Falconi in this CorD interview. He adds that Paris supports Miroslav Lajčak, as the EU envoy for the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, and that, together with Germany, France is exerting diplomatic efforts to help advance the dialogue.

The ambassador notes that these efforts imply a constant dialogue with partners in Belgrade, but also talks with the authorities in Pristina.

Your Excellency, this is the second consecutive year in which you are commemorating Bastille

Day under changed conditions, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Taking into consideration the latest data, could it be said that France has got the virus “under control”?

It is too early to say that the virus is “under control”, as nobody knows the impact of new strains of the virus. What I can affirm, nonetheless, is that the number of new cases and fatalities fell very significantly since last winter. In November 2020, the weekly average number of cases peaked at about 54,000 per day (for a population of 67

DIALOGUE

KOSOVO

SOLUTIONS

France is dedicated to supporting the EU-led Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, but without any political bias or “alliance”

A solution to the “Kosovo knot” is high on the agenda of President Macron, who is personally committed as a dialogue facilitator, along with his diplomatic staff

France has no “red lines” and will not hinder any solution based on compromise, as long as it respects international law and is agreed upon by the parties themselves

of relations with Pristina and the fight against organised crime and terrorism. At the end of the day, what impacts Serbia, either positively or negatively, impacts us, and vice versa. Let me also add that our bilateral relations also have an historical background. Frenchmen and Serbs fought together during World War I, during and after which many Serbs, including youngsters and pupils, moved to France to live. This created human ties and friendships through generations, which I regularly see even today.

million). This figure fell, but then peaked again in April 2021, where the weekly average was about 35,000 cases per day.

Today, thanks to the vaccination campaign, the seven-day average for new cases is about 2,700.

This trend can also be noticed by comparing the percentage of positive COVID tests: it increased to 15% in April and now stands at slightly above 1%.

This being said, we should remain very cautious as long as new cases appear, so some measures have remained in force to limit the propagation of the virus. The vaccination campaign is now very effective, after a difficult start, and today more than 47% of French residents have received at least one dose.

Despite the COVID pandemic having hampered traditional diplomatic communications markedly, relations between France and Serbia have been extremely dynamic over the past two years. Presidents Macron and Vučić even met twice during that time, on the last occasion in February. How would you explain this situation?

French-Serbian bilateral relations have indeed been very dynamic during the past two years.

After President Emmanuel Macron came to Serbia for an official visit in July 2019, President Aleksandar Vučić visited France twice for bilateral talks, in July 2020 and February 2021. This shows how important meetings in person are for both leaders, although they also spoke on the phone several times.

After July 2020, French and Serbian delegations met in person whenever they could catch a “window of opportunity” in the midst of the pandemic.

Franck Riester, Minister of Trade and Economic Attractiveness, visited Belgrade in November 2020, where he signed an important agreement on economic cooperation. A Serbian ministerial delegation visited Paris and Lyon a few months later to discuss the Belgrade Metro rolling stock, which will be constructed by French company Alstom. We also have dynamic cooperation in the field of security and defence, backed by a Strategic Partnership Agreement signed in 2011.

We held a strategic dialogue in June, as soon as

Many alleged non-papers have circulated in the Western Balkans during previous weeks.

They seem to serve as a “test” of public opinion, but the authors and their ultimate goals are unknown, which can be very destabilising for the region the sanitary situation improved in Paris. Less than three weeks later, the Chief of Staff of the French Armed Forces, General François Lecointre, paid a visit to Serbia, which was an all-time première.

This is easy to explain. Serbia is a country that matters a lot to France, at both the regional and international levels. It is an EU candidate country, which we support actively, and a major player in the Balkans. We also have common challenges, such as regional peace and stability, the normalisation

The more frequent meetings between the two presidents formed the basis to conclude that Serbia is beginning to receive some special support from France on current issues, and of course on the dialogue with Priština. However, you stated unequivocally in one interview that “there is no game of alliances” that would deviate from the already familiar positions of the EU. What does that mean exactly?

This means that France is dedicated to supporting the EU-led Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, but without any political bias or “alliance”. EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajčak is primarily in charge of this, but France, along with Germany, also dedicates diplomatic resources to the success of this dialogue. From where I stand, I can confirm that there are good quality discussions going on with the authorities in Belgrade on the matter, in a spirit of trust and respect, but there are also bilateral talks with the authorities in Pristina, of course.

A solution to the “Kosovo knot” is high on the agenda of President Macron, who is personally committed as a dialogue facilitator, along with his diplomatic staff. In this regard, our role is not to take sides but to try to get an overview of the field of possibilities for each party, to see where they overlap and build on this to reach a comprehensive agreement. Ultimately, the exact terms shall not be “dictated” by external players, as I sometimes read in the press, but defined and agreed upon by the parties themselves. There is undoubtedly interest in resolving this issue for the future of citizens in both Serbia and Kosovo.

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INTERVIEW France is nevertheless credited with authoring at least one document, a famous non-paper that relates to Kosovo. It allegedly proposes a special status be granted to the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo, as well as autonomy for Serbs living in the north?

France never wrote such a non-paper. Many alleged non-papers have circulated in the Western Balkans during previous weeks.They seem to serve as a “test” of public opinion, but the authors and their ultimate goals are unknown, which can be very destabilising for the region.

Regarding the ongoing dialogue on Kosovo, France calls for the full implementation of the Brussels Agreement, including the agreement on the Community of Serb Municipalities. When it comes to the content of such an agreement, I want to stress once again that France has no “red lines” and will not hinder any solution based on compromise, as long as it respects international law and is agreed upon by the parties themselves.

Will France support the recent proposal of the four countries of the Visegrad Group to involve the Western Balkan countries more directly in discourse on the future of the EU? Initially, the conference on the future of Europe was designed for EU citizens, who witnessed the course of the political, social and economic entity in which they live. This is an innovative format in which anyone can organise or take part in debates on different topics and give their say. The idea, which was put forward by French President Macron at the beginning of his mandate, was to give a voice to EU citizens at a time when they experienced some kind of fatigue.

When the idea came up, populism was on the rise and, during that time, Brexit cast a doubt on the original real sense of the European project.

Brussels institutions, which are complex in nature, were growing further away from the day-to-day realities of a substantial part of the population. In this context, there was an urge to engage citizens directly in internal debates on the economy, international security, the environment, digitalisation, social welfare and the kind of Europe they want to see in the near future. The aim is to give them a bigger role in shaping policies and ambitions. At the same time, these debates should contribute to some awareness building on the EU project itself, i.e., what it has brought to date in terms of values, welfare, ecology, international influence etc. One tends to forget this when one resides in this political environment permanently.

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No agreement was found among EU member states on opening a cluster during the IGC in June, although Serbia has resolutely thrown itself into the new methodology and adapted its negotiation structures accordingly I have always personally argued in favour of the inclusion of Western Balkan candidate countries in these debates (authorities and civil society), as was done with the Convention on the future of Europe in 2001. This being said, the digital platform that was launched in April 2021 is absolutely not limited to EU citizens.

Civil societies in the Western Balkans can take part in debates online, contribute to them and organise conferences. I encourage that in Serbia, considering its ongoing trajectory towards EU integration and the fact that this process should not be a solely “top down” project. The French Embassy and the French institute have been promoting such debates and encouraging the use of the “futurEU” digital platform.

How would you comment on the momentum lost in Serbia’s European integration process, which has not seen a single accession negotiation chapter opened for more than 18 months?

No agreement was found among EU member states on opening a cluster during the IGC in June, although Serbia has resolutely thrown itself into the new methodology and adapted its negotiation structures accordingly. I can understand that this causes frustration, especially within the Europhile community in Serbia. But the momentum is not lost and I like to think that this is just a phase, before the EU-accession procedure accelerates significantly.

This is the only development we can wish for.

As a matter of fact, Serbia made very noticeable progress in the fields of the economy, higher education, the fight against terrorism...

New initiatives are also being launched in the field of the environment and energy efficiency, which we highly welcome considering the challenge it represents in the region and globally.

However, this process is demanding in all spheres, in particular what we call “the fundamentals”, i.e., democracy and rule of law, the fight against corruption etc. They are the DNA of the EU political project, in particular freedom of Justice, the good functioning of institutions, media freedom and pluralism, to name but a few. The two previous country reports of the European Commission noted little to very limited progress in this field, and I must admit that I witnessed a “gap year” in 2020 in terms of reforms. This explains, to a large extent, why no chapters have been opened lately.

Having spent quite a long time in EU institutions during my diplomatic career, I do want to stress that accession processes can accelerate notably.

Serbian authorities have initiated reforms in the Rule of Law area, including initiating a long-awaited Constitution amendment procedure, in order to reform the judiciary. Other efforts are underway and we appreciate the good quality of the dialogue with the Serbian authorities, who keep us updated.

Ultimately, however, these reforms shouldn’t be assessed solely in the light of legislation, but also in the light of their implementation and the political will to change the environment in which citizens live. There is room for improvement until the end of this year, of course. In addition, the 2022 elections should serve to illustrate the good functioning of democracy, as well as political and media pluralism.

I hope that the European Parliament mediated inter-party dialogue will create some consensus over pre-electoral conditions, devoid of pressures

on voters, with – inter alia – good access to information thanks to media pluralism. That would be a remarkable change within the country, but also for its EU accession aspirations.

Discussions on bolstering economic cooperation between Serbia and France have actually intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. What can be expected of the bilateral cooperation agreement on projects for improving energy efficiency and launching construction of the Belgrade metro rail system?

Our economic presence is indeed growing in Serbia, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The two projects that French companies won in 2017 and 2018, i.e., the modernisation of waste management in Vinča (Suez) and the modernisation of Belgrade Airport (Vinci) are progressing well and being implemented despite the constraints caused by the pandemic.

Moreover, the intergovernmental agreement signed in November on, inter alia, the Belgrade metro, is undoubtedly an important milestone for 2020-2021. As already mentioned, French company Alstom will construct the metro’s rolling stock. Its technology is recognised worldwide; it is a sure and effective means of transport that should decongest traffic in Belgrade, improve air quality to a certain extent and allow quicker commute times. The technology brought by Alstom will also guarantee good energy efficiency, in line with European norms.

The other project included in the Intergovernmental agreement is the supply of a smart grid by Serbian-based company Schneider Electric for new operator Elektrodistribucija Srbija, which will reduce losses on low and medium voltage electricity transmission networks, thanks to an integrated IT solution allowing a high level of energy efficiency.

Another milestone was the approval and signature, with French Development Agency, AFD, of two loans in partnership with the World Bank, totalling 101 million euros for the AFD part, to modernise the railway sector – with core investments in and around Belgrade (Prokop station, suburban tunnels, Belgrade-Pančevo line) – and to support Serbia’s reform agenda on climate change. The AFD partnership with the World Bank on these two key operations allows the promoting of a consistent approach and the mobilising of greater technical and financial support for these projects together. But this is only the beginning: building on this positive dynamic established with the Serbian authorities, AFD plans to commit between 200-250 million euros

Having spent quite a long time in EU institutions during my diplomatic career, I do want to stress that accession processes can accelerate notably annually in Serbia, with a focus on environmental investments and policy reforms in support of Serbia’s EU accession process.

Such economic projects and financial support make a lot of sense to us, as the environment has become a very pressing and challenging issue in the Western Balkans, where national and local stakeholders are eager to cooperate with international financial institutions. From this perspective, AFD will continue and scale up its support to Serbia’s green agenda and the implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, signed in 2015.

French experts on rural development visited Serbia recently. What kinds of benefits are farmers provided by the LEADER project?

LEADER is the French acronym for “links between rural economic development actors”.

The programme aims to develop rural areas by bringing together different stakeholders from

the civil society, the private sector – such as farmers – and the public sector, to design and implement a local rural development strategy.

These stakeholders work together in what we call Local Action Groups (LAGs), in a bottom-up approach to development.

The LEADER methodology has had a very positive impact on rural development in France.

Farmers can either be part of a local action group or benefit from it, by presenting projects funded by these clusters of stakeholders. For example, they can suggest the creation of a shop to sell local products, a tasting room for wine produced locally, or they can launch a boating school etc.

This programme is part of the EU Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance for Rural Development (IPARD), but it has yet to be accredited in Serbia. However, several LEADER-like initiatives were created in 2021 and are already promising.

The local action group of Ketena Mundi and the upcoming Tri Morava group partnered with the community of Maremne Adour Côte Sud, located beside the Atlantic Ocean in France, and are already designing new projects with the support of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.

We are ready to promote such initiatives at a larger scale, together with the Serbian Ministry of Agriculture and the EU Delegation.

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INTERVIEW DRAGOLJUB DAMLJANOVIĆ, PRESIDENT OF THE FRENCH-SERBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, CCIFS

New Fields Of Cooperation Appearing The Western Balkans are becoming an ever more important region on the French agenda.

Visits of top French officials, as well as agreements signed and commitment shown to the local community among French companies operating here, all testify to the claim that Serbia is among France's priorities on the international stage. Also supporting this notion are indications that we could again host French President Emmanuel Macron by the end of this year.

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f Serbia really does host French President Macron again this year, that will provide strong confirmation of the ever-increasing interest of French companies in Serbia. Despite the difficult moments experienced by French companies in Serbia during the COVID-19 pandemic, it seems that there’s ever more good news when it comes to cooperation between the two countries. Here CCIFS President Dragoljub Damljanović shares with us his experiences of the Chamber’s work during the pandemic, as well as his expectations regarding the further development of economic cooperation.

You’ve stated repeatedly that the most important thing to do while we’re in this crisis is to protect our people. To what extent have your members managed to retain their personnel, maintain business processes and ensure the liquidity of their companies during the previous period?

Members were confronted by a very difficult situation, because business activity was reduced to a minimum in many sectors and it was difficult to maintain business at all and to not lay off employees. Fortunately, the growth of business activities was noticeable in most sectors in the second half of the year, and the economy began to recover gradually. On the other hand, some companies will need more time to make up for losses, because they weren’t even able to relaunch activities in the second half of the year. It has been shown so far that companies with localised production have better chances than those with globalised supply chains, but the vast majority

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PROMOTION

SATISFACTION

INITIATIVE

We promote Serbia as a general destination for nearshoring, because capacities and competencies for high-quality industrial production exist here in all domains.

I’m particularly satisfied with the speed of our reaction in the crisis situation, because from the first day of the declared state of emergency we transformed ourselves into a tool to help our members.

The Serbian Government should devise a plan to attract as much European money as possible to launch the parts of its economy focused on ecology, the green economy and digitalisation.

of businesses still have significant changes in liquidity, and business models themselves will continue to be changed to a greater or lesser extent, while very few companies will be in a zone of no change.

However, as we emphasise constantly at the Chamber, the most important thing is for the business community to try to assist small and medium-sized enterprises, for large systems to go out of their way to meet their payment deadlines, and for banks to offer more flexible terms and cashflow assistance. This crisis will pass, it is important to show that we are human, that we take care of each other, that we preserve jobs and people, SMEs, and that we remain calm and clear headed.

How much did the chamber manage to help them in that during the previous period?

I’m particularly satisfied with the speed of our reaction in the crisis situation - already on the first day of the declared state of emergency, following consultations with members from the ranks of small and medium-sized enterprises, we wrote to Finance Minister Siniša Mali with a request for measures to assist SMEs. Our action to seek assistance from the finance minister was quickly joined by twelve other bilateral associations in Serbia, as they recognised the importance of the initiative. It was at that moment that we launched the slogan “How can we help you?”, thus transforming ourselves into a tool to help the membership, providing them with information and connecting those who are seeking something with those who have something to offer them. The Chamber is there to help members with information related to COVID-19, processes on how to access state aid, assistance in re-establishing the normal functioning of supply chains, while there were also, of course, sanitary and travel inquiries.

We had an opportunity to hear recently that the primary focus of French companies is actually North Africa, and not the Western Balkans. How accurate is that?

French investors have come to stay, as we see in the fact that they implement their own CSR culture, new HR methodologies, as well as new technologies, thereby also improving local communities and the companies with which they cooperate The entire African continent is a sphere of interest for France. It has strong historical ties to these countries, many of which are Francophone countries, and it is completely logical for France to be more present on the African continent than it is in some other countries. I would also give the example of the French Development Agency, which is most active on the African continent.

However, the Western Balkans is becoming an increasingly important region on the French

agenda. For example, the French Development Agency opened its regional headquarters in Belgrade in 2019, and that office is responsible for the entire Western Balkans and for financing a large number of projects in the region.

Linked to this topic, you released the publication “French Economic Presence in Serbia” this year. What does it tell us about the presence of French companies in our lands?

That publication tells us that their presence is increasing every year. I would like the numbers to grow faster, nevertheless what’s important is that all investments of French companies are extremely stable. French investors have obviously come to stay, and confirming that additionally is the fact that when they embed themselves in Serbia, French companies implement their own CSR culture, new HR methodologies, as well as new technologies, thereby also improving local communities and the companies with which they cooperate. I believe that, in this sense, the Serbian

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INTERVIEW Serbia has accepted obligations regarding renewable resources and ecology and, given that we’re still a long way from achieving the goals, it’s clear that a lot of investments are needed from this perspective. French companies have great expertise in this domain and it is logical for them to be interested in this area.

In this context, what are the most important steps that the CCIFS expects the Serbian government to take in order to realise these major plans?

We would regard it as being positive if the Government of the Republic of Serbia encouraged polluters to reduce their emissions and demonstrated the importance of respecting norms.

We are glad that Serbia has started providing subsidies for the purchase of electric and hybrid vehicles. And, of course, it is essential to continue investing in the production of electricity from renewable energy sources.

economy is becoming more competitive at the world level, which is very positive.

Your virtual events with other French chambers in the region gave us the opportunity to discover that interest in the Serbian automotive industry and agriculture exists. What can Serbia offer French investors in this area?

The automotive industry is a sector that we promote specifically. Serbia has exceptional development potential in this domain. The greatest growth of recent years has been recorded in this industry, and all sub-industries linked to this sector.

A large number of various manufacturers that have launched operations in Serbia are suppliers in the chain of the automotive industry. For example, this is a sector that foreign investments came to even during the worst periods of the COVID-19 crisis, such as Japanese company Toyo Tires late last year, which invested in Serbia in the midst of the pandemic, setting up its first European factory in our country.

We also promote Serbia as a general destination for nearshoring, because capacities and competencies for high-quality industrial production exist here in all domains. The pandemic has shown us the fragility of supply chains and the need for production to be as close to markets as possible.

When it comes to agribusiness, this is an historically strong and valued sector in Serbia, as a country that has fantastic potential, especially

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Serbia needs a lot of investment in the area of renewable resources and ecology… and French companies have great expertise in this domain and are interested in this area for organic production. What is lacking is a greater presence of the processing industry, which is why we encourage French companies to locate their production facilities on the spot, in order to strengthen Serbia in the processing segment.

Major changes to Serbia’s energy and ecology sectors have been announced. Do you see a place for yourselves and major French companies in this transition of Serbian energy and the Serbian economy towards green solutions?

A serious and detailed incentive programme to support economic growth has been prepared in the European Union, and this programme is mostly focused on ecology, the green economy and digitalisation. The Government of the Republic of Serbia should devise a plan to attract as much of that money as possible, in order to launch these parts of its economy. Moreover, as a candidate country that’s on the road to EU integration,

In the meantime, despite the pandemic, there have been political meetings that are important from both the French and Serbian sides. What is the next step awaiting us on this front?

One of the most important political meetings of last year was the November visit of French Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness Franck Riester. That visit saw the signing of an Agreement between the two governments on cooperation in the area of implementing priority projects in Serbia. With this agreement, which is worth €581 million, France confirmed its interest and confirmed that Serbia is among its priorities on the international scene. There is also talk about us once again hosting French President Emmanuel Macron by the end of this year.

The start of works on a metro rail system have also been announced in Belgrade this year, and the metro project has always been a “French topic”.

How are your feelings as we await this event?

The Belgrade metro will be one of the largest investments in Serbia. We are very honoured that French company Alstom was selected as a partner in its construction project. It was in November last year that an agreement was signed between the Government of Serbia and the Government of France on the provision of funding for the metro amounting to 454 million euros. The metro is planned to open in 2028, and I’m already looking forward to the day when we will ride in French trains.

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INTERVIEW DOMINIQUE HAUTBERGUE, DIRECTOR OF THE FRENCH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (AFD)

Building A More Resilient World

Our mandate supports Serbia's rapprochement with the EU through the financing of sustainable and innovative projects that have a strong environmental and social dimension.

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he French Development Agency (AFD) is this year celebrating 80 years since its establishment. It is present in all parts of the world, but the Western Balkan region is its first bureau in Europe.

What motivated AFD to come to this region?

AFD is the public operator in charge of implementing the French government’s international solidarity and development policy. Created 80 years ago, AFD Group today comprises

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three entities: AFD, the development bank in charge of public sector and NGO financing; Proparco, which is responsible for private sector financing; and Expertise France, tasked with leading technical cooperation. AFD Group finances, supports and accelerates transitions towards a more coherent and resilient world.

Since September 2019, I have had the pleasure – together with my growing and dynamic team – to deploy AFD’s activities in the Western Balkans, under a mandate granted by the French

Government for AFD to contribute to France’s reinvestment strategy in the region. In this context, the mission of AFD’s Belgrade-based regional office is to promote sustainable economic development and support the European integration ambitions of Western Balkan countries. We operationalise this mandate through the financing of investments and policy reforms that foster convergence with EU norms and standards, as well as supporting the implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Which of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are in your focus in the Western Balkans and Serbia; and how do they relate to broader EU objectives?

The SDGs are indeed at the heart of AFD’s strategy and are fully integrated into all aspects of our work and financing activities.

AFD invests in areas as diverse as climate change, a cross-cutting approach that guides all of AFD’s activities, as well as gender equality, biodiversity, health, education, digital technology, entrepreneurship, energy, mobility and transport, but also sports and the cultural and creative industries. Through a wide range of financial tools (sovereign and non-sovereign loans, public policy and investment loans, bank intermediation loans,

Peaks in air pollution are a cruel reminder of the urgency of addressing this issue, and AFD stands ready to support the authorities and relevant stakeholders in that regard.

How does your work contribute to the EU accession agenda, in particular cluster 3 – Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth and cluster 4 – the Green Agenda and Infrastructure Connectivity?

Our mandate supports Serbia’s rapprochement with the EU through the financing of

being prepared to support the fight against flooding, with climate change causing that risk to become more frequent and intense, the fight against air, soil and water pollution, waste management, support for low-carbon mobility (public transport, non-motorised transport) and the digitalisation of the economy.

As you’ve stated previously, the agency aims to invest up to 400 million euros in the region by the end of this year. When it comes to helping Western Balkan countries become

AFD's objective is to ensure that its operations are fully aligned with the Paris Climate Agreement, the success of which is a core component of EU policies and objectives at the international level guarantees etc.), grants and non-financial assistance, partnerships and peer-to-peer cooperation, AFD Group supports governments, local authorities, state-owned and private companies, as well as civil society organisations, in their endeavours towards a greener, more inclusive and climate-resilient future.

AFD’s objective is to ensure that its operations are fully aligned with the Paris Climate Agreement, the success of which is a core component of EU policies and objectives at the international level. In this respect, priority will be given to operations that support the transition to a low-carbon economy, all sectors combined.

For instance, ensuring the mobility of people and goods is one of the essential conditions for achieving the SDGs: it is essential for people to have access to employment and essential services (health, education); for the efficient and sustainable functioning of a productive economy; and for cities to remain efficient, breathable and “liveable”.

sustainable and innovative projects that have a strong environmental and social dimension.

Beyond AFD’s current active support for the implementation of the legal framework for adaptation to climate change, our action aims – in the framework of our mandate to support Serbia’s EU accession process – to encourage investments that further current transitions, such as the energy transition, but also territorial and ecological transitions.

Various funding programmes are currently

part of the EU, how do you decide between national and regional interests?

AFD Group favours partnerships for its operations in the region. However, a few sustainable transnational initiatives bring together all the countries of the Western Balkans. In this respect, the first support provided by AFD at the start of its activity aimed to strengthen regional integration through the establishment of a “smart cities” strategy to support the development of the Balkan capitals since

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INTERVIEW

2019 (Smart City), protection of the Balkans’ rich biodiversity, or the project dedicated to supporting young entrepreneurs in the Western Balkans, in cooperation with the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO).

Finally, AFD can mobilise and manage EU funds to strengthen the impact of its actions.

As mentioned, our mandate is to support the convergence of the Western Balkan countries with the EU’s common standards and, ultimately, to support the acceleration of their EU accession processes. In that respect, by promoting alignment with EU social, technical and environmental best practices and standards, AFD’s actions aim to contribute to improving the quality of development processes.

Thus, after only two years of activity in the region, AFD has already granted more than 300 million euros (excluding the private sector) and intends to increase its commitments to 200 to 300 million euros annually by 2021, in support of the advancement of the relevant sector reform agendas, which are essential elements for the region’s future development.

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To what extent does the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) - as a European financial facility involving the European Commission, EU member states, Western Balkan countries and the main bilateral and multilateral donors operating in the region – counterbalance other sources of development assistance that are available to the region, such as that of China, for example?

One of the key elements of our intervention is the mobilisation of European resources, for which AFD is accredited. It is with this in mind that AFD has integrated, since 2018, the WBIF. This EU blending platform enables the pooling of resources available in the form of grants and loans, but also technical assistance from different partner organisations, in five priority sectors: transport, energy, environment, social sector and private sector development. Several projects are currently being implemented by AFD under this platform, which contributes to the quality and financial attractiveness of the support provided to Serbia and other Western Balkan countries by “Team Europe”, i.e., the EU, together with European development banks and cooperation agencies.

After only two years of activity in the region, AFD has already granted more than 300 million euros (excluding the private sector) and intends to increase its commitments to 200 to 300 million euros annually by 2021 Could you tell us more about the projects you’re supporting in Serbia, which include the construction of the Belgrade Metro rail system and the automation of management of the electricity distribution network – both of which are massive, financially demanding projects? What is your role in them?

An Intergovernmental Agreement was signed in November 2020 to support the authorities in carrying out structuring projects in the field of public transport (Belgrade Metro) and energy. This support, both financial and in terms of expertise, is independent of the aid provided to Serbia by AFD.

You are also supporting the Regional Youth Cooperation Organisation (RYCO), which aims to promote cooperation between young entrepreneurs in the Western Balkans.

Could you outline an example of cooperation that best reflects your goals in this area?

Indeed, the first financing granted by AFD in the region was aimed at the NGO sector in co-financing with RYCO. The first call for applications was a resounding success, with more than 20 projects (of the 250 submitted) now being supported at the maturation and implementation stage. This allows the creation of a network of young entrepreneurs in all countries of the region. A second call for applications should be launched in 2022.

Thus, since 2019, AFD has been resolutely committed to supporting Serbia in particular, and the Western Balkans more broadly, on the road to EU membership. This is the meaning of our team’s commitment on the ground, of AFD and France’s action alongside national authorities, the private sector and civil society actors.

Total is Transforming and Becoming TotalEnergies At the Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting on 28th of May, shareholders approved, almost unanimously, the resolution to change the company’s name from Total to TotalEnergies, thereby anchoring its strategic transformation into a broad energy company in its identity. In tandem with this name change, TotalEnergies is adopting a new visual identity.

“Energy is life. We all need it and it’s a source of progress. So today, to contribute to the sustainable development of the planet facing the climate challenge, we are moving forward, together, towards new energies. Energy is reinventing itself, and this energy journey is ours. Our ambition is to be a world-class player in the energy transition. That is why Total is transforming and becoming TotalEnergies,” declared Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TotalEnergies.

This new name and new visual identity embody the course TotalEnergies has resolutely charted for itself: that of a broad energy company committed to producing and providing energies that are ever more affordable, reliable and clean.

About TotalEnergies TotalEnergies is a broad energy company that produces and markets energies on a global scale: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Our 105,000 employees are committed to energy that is ever more affordable, clean, reliable and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in more than 130 countries, TotalEnergies puts sustainable development in all its dimensions at the heart of its projects and operations to contribute to the well-being of people. www.totalenergies.rs

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BUSINESS SANJA IVANIĆ, CEO OF THE FRENCH-SERBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, CCIFS

The Pandemic Didn’t Stop Us Promoting Serbia

We are satisfied with the large growth of the trade exchange between France and Serbia since 2010, and I hope we’ve also contributed to that. However, we should give most of the thanks to the improved business climate, the growth of the Serbian economy, and particularly the fact that the Republic of Serbia is an EU membership candidate country, because that’s an element that instils confidence among foreign investors.

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hen observing the activities of the French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce (CCIFS), one gets the impression that connecting online during the pandemic provided plenty of space to present Serbia’s potentials to numerous French interlocutors. And this is also confirmed for us by CCIFS CEO Sanja Ivanić: “one of our priorities is to present Serbia and

The trade exchange between Serbia and France is recording constant growth. Thus, this exchange exceeded the value of a billion euros in 2019, and in 2020, despite the crisis, we remained above the billion-euro mark. We hope that 2021 will be even better its economic potentials to French companies, which we realise successfully through conferences and B2B meetings. This year we twice participated in the Business Booster Forum, which is organised by CCI France International.

An online version of the forum was held, encompassing more than 30 thematic webinars, with more than 50 prestigious speakers and more than 1,000 participants.”

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“During the Forum, our speaker had the opportunity to lead the workshop “Serbia, new industrial hub in the heart of Europe” and to present Serbia’s potentials to foreign investors. The CCIFS also works closely with six other Central European chambers, with which it promotes our zone as an ideal destination for sourcing and nearshoring. We jointly organised five workshops for French and international companies, as well as several networking events for our members,” explains Ivanić.

To what extent have these methods of online connection created space for you to function more efficiently as a chamber?

What would you retain from them when the pandemic abates?

Online connection methods really changed the world during the pandemic. I can state unreservedly that digitalisation has accelerated our working and operational process. Communication became easier because everyone switched to online communication. In the cases when our partners are outside Serbia, online methods really make it easier for us, giving us the opportunity to organise meetings and conferences with people from all over the world, without logistical hindrances. Of course, we can hardly wait to return to normal, but I believe that we’ll also retain some positive things that came from this process. The zoomization of society is, I believe, permanent – fortunately or unfortunately!

How much has the trade exchange between Serbia and France suffered over the past year?

These relations have been improving constantly since 2000, when diplomatic relations between Serbia and France were re-established. And since 2010, when the Interim Trade Agreement came into force, the trade exchange between Serbia and France has been recording constant growth. This trade exchange exceeded the value of a billion euros in 2019, and in 2020, despite the crisis, we remained above the billion-euro mark in exchange. We hope that 2021 will be even better.

This trade exchange has more than doubled since 2010, when the Interim Trade Agreement between the European Union and Serbia came into force. In your opinion, how much has the work of the chamber contributed to these results?

We are ready to follow the further development of cooperation between our two economies at the operational level, which is why the visit of French Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness Minister Franck Riester was followed by a MEDEF delegation comprising more than 20 French companies You’re correct. We are satisfied with the huge growth of the exchange between France and Serbia since 2010, and I hope that we also contributed to that growth. This is certainly a joint effort of all stakeholders, both the French Embassy and the CCIFS, but it’s primarily thanks to a better business climate, growth of the Serbian economy, and particularly the fact that the Republic of Serbia is an EU membership candidate country, because that’s an element that instils confidence among foreign investors.

How much have new doors to cooperation been opened by the increasingly intensive

meetings at the highest political level of late?

Apart from the visit of French Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness Minister Franck Riester late last year, in 2021 we also had a visit from MEDEF. As the Mouvement des entreprises de France, or the Movement of the Enterprises of France, MEDEF is the largest association of employers in France, and the delegation that visited Belgrade included representatives of more than 20 French companies. This is a big step in terms of our bilateral relations, and we are now awaiting its continuation at the operational level.

Physical connections between businesspeople are still difficult to maintain. When, in your opinion, can normalisation be expected in this area?

We hope that the situation will be significantly better by the coming autumn. In the case that the vaccination process continues according to plan, we are still hopeful that complete normalisation will only come next year. In that sense, we are working actively to promote vaccination - I believe you’ve all seen the campaign we did together with the Serbian Association of Managers “Let’s not postpone our meetings, let’s get vaccinated!”

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BUSINESS

Renault Brings A Revolution The Renault Mégane Conquest brings an entirely new body shape to Renault's offer – that of a sports SUV. The exterior look is a blend of elegance and robustness that particularly comes to the fore with the R.S. Line system, but also for drivers seeking to reduce consumption while retaining their driving habits.

According to François Laurent, director of the Mégane Conquest programme, this model is the latest proof that modernity and innovation are deeply rooted in Renault’s genes. It is hybrid in every respect, as it perfectly combines the elements of SUVs, i.e., their sporty appeal, dynamism and versatility. At the same time, it

The Mégane Conquest comes in Glacier White, Pearl White, Metallic Black, Metallic Grey, Zanzibar Blue, Flame Red and Valencia Orange

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his revolutionary new Renault model is ready to satisfy the most diverse demands of international markets and to represent the embodiment of the group’s global approach, as well as its ability to gain countless new fans.

With its new sporty SUV Mégane Conquest model, Renault has caused a revolution on the market. It has become the first car manufacturer catering to a wide range of customers to offer an SUV coupé on the European market, which is a type of vehicle that was previously reserved for premium brands. This all-new car completes Renault’s range of compact vehicles, which comprises Mégane, Kadjar and Scenic models.

The new Renault Mégane Conquest combines the characteristics of modern SUV models with state-of-the-art hybrid technology – an elevated

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driver’s position that instils a sense of security, a spacious passenger cabin that doesn’t reduce boot volume, as well as an innovative and striking style. The new model brings more excitement to driving, especially when equipped as the R.S. line, and simultaneously combines several types of engine thanks to the latest full hybrid technology. The E-TECH Hybrid, with 145hp, as well as high performance engines TCe 140 and TCe 160, with the 12 V microhybrid. The battery is charged during deceleration and braking, and can also be charged using excess energy that’s released by the thermal engine when the vehicle is moving at optimum speed.

The driver needn’t worry about anything, as E-TECH hybrid technology adapts to all types of roads and all users. It is suitable for all those seeking to save fuel by using an electric drive

gives new wind to the sails of the compact SUV segment, which is the most important segment on the European market. The hybrid engines of Mégane Conquest models are modern and provide a unique driving experience, while the top of the range is represented by the innovative E-TECH Hybrid engine, which combines top driving pleasure with reduced CO2 emissions and lower fuel consumption.

The new Mégane Conquest is equipped with the most advanced driving assistance systems, which ensure driving is safer and more carefree, including a system for motorway driving assistance and driving in traffic congestion.

Its advanced driving assistance systems are divided into three groups - driving, parking and safety – and together comprise the Renault EASY DRIVE concept.

The new Mégane Conquest is based on the CMF-B modular platform developed under the Alliance partnership. It is 4,568 mm long, 1,571 mm high and has a 2,720 mm wheelbase.

Thanks to large, 18-inch wheels, it has exceptional stability on the road, which is particularly important given Renault’s refusal to accept compromises on safety.

BUSINESS www.flatrentbelgrade.com

NENAD STOJANOVIĆ, MANAGING DIRECTOR, R.E.A.L. CONSULTING

Current State Of The Belgrade Real Estate Market We may or may not like the Belgrade Waterfront development, but one thing that’s for sure is that it has impacted on the real estate markets of Belgrade and certain other major cities in Serbia simply exploding

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he famous maxim used around the world when investing in bricks, “location, location and only location”, has once again proven to be completely true. Newly constructed properties are increasingly in demand, while old buildings are, unfortunately, still lagging far behind. According to our estimate,

this market segment will change and start to grow in the near future.

The City of Belgrade, in cooperation with the Institute for the Protection of Monuments, has launched the process of establishing as a Protected Spatial Cultural-Historical Unit the Krunski Venac urban neighbourhood, encompassing Krunska Street and the Neimar Escarpment, where we can still find ambient units that are very often a century old. These houses are masterpieces of both our renowned and lesser-known masons and architects, where Belgrade families

raised entire generations and led an intensive social life.

The awareness of citizens has changed, with several associations having been launched to protect these unique units, such as the corner of Smiljanic, Njegoševa, Kneginje Zorka and Krunska streets, and the city government is starting to understand and appreciate that factor.

Investing in such structures, representing protected salon-type houses withayard,garageandsummerkitchen, situated in unique Belgrade locations, is a safe haven for investing money. A

great example of this is provided by Upper Dorćol and Kosančićev Venac, which have enjoyed the status of protected spatial cultural-historical units for a long time. It’s almost impossible to find a salon house or apartment in those neighbourhoods, while there is constant demand for them. I would estimate that these rarities will be increasingly sought-after and that their price will inevitably rise.

There are plenty of examples like these around the world, and above all in Europe,solet’sprotectwhatwealready have and invest money right there.

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BUSINESS

Tradition And International Expertise For Top Quality Dairy Products

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n 2007 Somboled joined Lactalis Group, a leading dairy group globally, and gained the opportunity to modernise its factory, as well as to access the international market. Thus, experience and tradition dating back to 1934, when Somboled was founded, have been enriched with international expertise and stateof-the-art production technology. Being part of Lactalis Group, today Somboled belongs to the very top of the Serbian dairy industry and is considered one of the vital representatives of Serbian-French economy cooperation.

As one of the Balkans’ oldest dairies, Somboled processes over 80 million litres of milk annually, while remaining consistent in preserving the freshness of products and their natural ingredi-

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ents. Within the Dukat, President, Galbani and Somboled brands, each year the company places a wide variety of dairy products on Serbian market, consisting of milk, yoghurt, fruit yoghurts, sour cream and butter, as well as various types of cheese and other products. The company is committed to preserving the local gastronomic heritage, which results in the production of dairy products that are favourites among consumers.

Today the company cooperates with almost 700 farmers on the procurement of raw milk, preserving the tradition of producing the highest quality milk and dairy products. Thanks to the Lactalis Group, domestic milk producers have been granted access to additional expertise and financial

support for optimizing production and preserving the quality of raw milk, in accordance with the European Union’s high standards of quality. Thus, for many years Somboled has been successfully exporting its products to the countries of the region, such as Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria, but also further afield, to Germany and the Czech Republic, as well as to Russia.

The past year, marked by the pandemic, didn’t stop Somboled’s development, with the company using the crisis period for further growth. Alongside the regular maintaining of the supply chain under aggravated conditions, Somboled managed to launch a new production line for one of the most beloved cheeses on the Serbian market - President Somborska, thus expanding its capacities. Somboled’s priorities included intensive cooperation with farmers and preserving the purchase price of milk, with which

the company contributed to ensuring the sustainability of its subcontractors’ operations. By reorganising its own operations, applying all sanitary measures and respecting the recommendations of the government, Somboled ensured its employees had a safe and secure place to work. These steps contributed to the smooth running of all aspects of production, distribution and sales.

Even during the year of the pandemic, Somboled remained consistent regarding its objectives: to maintain the highest level of quality of raw materials in terms of safety and nutritional value, which make Somboled products healthy, tasty and top quality. Staying true to the highest standards of production, the company continued investing in the modernisation of technology and all-encompassing control measures at all stages of production, continuing to place dairy products tailored to the modern consumer on the domestic and international markets.

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BUSINESS ARHI.PRO TEAM

Proud Of Every Project Arhi.pro was established in 2002 in Belgrade. Emerging out of a small, local architecture studio, it has since grown to become a leading enterprise in the region, focusing on architecture and design services, as well as construction services

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ver the course of the last 18 years of our valuable experience, we were able to form a hardworking team of approximately 200 employees, all of whom are professionals that are happy to successfully execute any type of jobs that our clients have for us

There are very few companies from these lands that can boast of cooperating with the world’s biggest architectural firms, operations on four continents, and prestigious awards and acknowledgements. How can such results be achieved?

Success is achieved through knowhow, dedication and flexibility. Arhi.pro is a company that’s dedicated to the constant improvement of its engineering personnel, in terms of harmonising with the highest international standards, which ensures our team is compatible in working with

We consider our integrated approach to the design and execution of works to be our advantage, and our goal is to maintain and improve upon it as much as possible firms around the world. We are sufficiently flexible to adapt to various roles and are dedicated to implementing every task in the best way possible, within set deadlines and, first and foremost, to the satisfaction of our clients. We’ve achieved cooperation with firms from Europe, America, Asia and Australia, which provides huge motivation for us to continue collaborating with international colleagues and contributing to significant projects with the same enthusiasm and sense of satisfaction.

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Montenegro is becoming a destination for the world’s most demanding tourists, who don’t settle for anything less than the best. Were you thinking of just such guests when you worked on the Porto Montenegro project?

Arhi.pro Montenegro is a company that has been engaged on the development of the Porto Montenegro project since 2008, as a local consultant, local architect and the leading designer of all engineering phases of construction of the Ozana, Teuta, Zeta, Milena, Tara, Ksenija and Elena buildings, as well as the Regent Hotel. We are currently engaged as local architects and leading designers on the Boka Place project, which is part of the new phase of Porto Montenegro’s development. With the objective of satisfying all the needs of future users of the space, including the most demanding ones, our entire team of architects and engineers, as well as all specialised consultants, is constantly focused on identifying solutions that will contribute to improving Porto Montenegro’s offer in the best possible way. It has been a pleasure for us to monitor the development of Porto Montenegro for these many years and to contribute to ensuring that every subsequent project is implemented with the latest project solutions and systems that are aligned with modern technologies.

The fact that the Boka Place project fulfilled all conditions required for inclusion in the Economic Citizenship programme confirms that the design team succeeded in providing its contribution to offering even the most demanding users of the space appropriate real estate that adheres to the highest world standards.

Could you single out some of the other projects that you’re particularly proud of, both in Montenegro and other markets where you’re worked? Perhaps something that you’re currently working on?

We are proud of all of our projects, particularly the major international projects that we’ve participated in developing from initial idea to realisation, i.e., which we’ve been engaged on until the finalisation of construction. Apart from projects in the scope of the Porto Montenegro settlement, we’ve also implemented the projects Hotel One&Only Portonovi, in which we worked on developing the concept design of Denniston Architects, and the Marina Apartments Portonovi building, developing the concept design of RTKL London. We are particularly proud of the projects we’ve authored ourselves, such as Lavender Bay in

Morinj and several authorial projects of villas and residential buildings in the coastal area, mostly in the Bay of Kotor. Our team of architects and engineers successfully implemented the project for the region’s largest shopping centre, Galerija Belgrade, in which we were also engaged as a local consultant, local architect and lead designer of all engineering phases of construction, which is a project we did by developing the concept design of Callison RTKL Los Angeles.

We are particularly proud of the Lavender Bay project in Morinj, as well as several villas and residential buildings in the coastal area, mostly in the Bay of Kotor

Arhi.pro doesn’t only deal with design and engineering… Could you tell us more about your company’s other segments?

Arhi.pro deals with the design and execution of construction works, the design and manufacture of joinery fixtures and fittings, as well as the design of lighting. In addition to important design and construction references, we are particular proud of the “design & build” projects in which we’ve incorporated our design and construction resources, including the design and manufacture of furniture and the design of lighting. In this way we’ve implemented significant projects, such as the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Belgrade, the BW Magnolia residential and commercial building, which we implemented by developing the concept design of RMJM Serbia, and the Buddha Bar restaurant in Belgrade, which we implemented by developing the concept interior design of Paris-based Design Wapler & Associés - DWA. We certainly consider our integrated approach to the design and execution of works to be our advantage, and our goal is to maintain and improve upon it as much as possible.

How has the pandemic impacted on communication and service delivery processes?

The pandemic brought significant changes to the process of organising work, and it was essential to adapt quickly to the new circumstances, with the aim of adhering to agreed deadlines without negatively impacting on the quality of services delivered. Our design bureau, which boasts over a hundred architects and engineers, switched fully to the BIM 360 platform, utilising various communication and data sharing applications, which strengthened coordination in accordance with the principles of integrated design. The applying of modern technologies further eased cooperation with architectural firms from around the world, especially during the creative process and early design phases.

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BUSINESS

From June to August sun-drenched fields of lavender are a feature of Provence.

Perfectly adapted to the Provençal climate, the four types of wild lavender – Lavandula vera, Lavandula spica, Lavandula stoechas, and Lavandula dentata (French lavender) – flourished under the dazzling sun that seduced artists including Paul Gauguin, Vincent van Gogh, and Henri Matisse.

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BUSINESS

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INTERVIEW

By Sonja Ćirić

MANUEL BOUARD, COUNSELLOR FOR COOPERATION AND CULTURE AT THE FRENCH EMBASSY IN BELGRADE AND DIRECTOR OF THE FRENCH INSTITUTE IN SERBIA

To Be A Citizen Of The Current World “Everybody is concerned by themes like global warming, identity, discrimination, history or education. We want to build the possibility for debates linked with our common world!”

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t’s been 70 years since the French Institute came to Serbia to spread the country’s culture and share our everyday existence with us. The birthday celebrations began on 21st June and, apart from the building of the Institute, have expanded to encompass the part of Knez Mihailova Street in front of the building, and these celebrations will continue until the end of the year. This important jubilee provided the occasion for us to interview Manuel Bouard, counsellor for cooperation and culture at the French Embassy in Belgrade

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and director of the French Institute in Serbia, to discuss some of the latest activities at the institute that he heads.

Considering that every anniversary provides an occasion to summarise results achieved and recall beautiful memories, what would you highlight in particular?

Our great satisfaction? Our Pride? The uninterrupted cultural exchanges between our two countries since the birth of the French institute in 1951? Many prominent French think-

ers or artists have been to Serbia. Among them we could mention Gérard Philippe, Jean-Paul Sartre, Yves Montand and Simone Signoret, Catherine Deneuve and Sophie Marceau, but also Alain Robbe-Grillet, Andrei Makine and Jacques Derrida.

Some Serbian artists also travelled to France and settled in Paris to work and to live. Vladimir Velickovic and Goran Paskaljevic are two of the most significant symbols of these strong links between our two artistic scenes that have been built stronger year-on-year.

novel Les Misérables, directed by Raymond Bernard. One of the topics of Les Misérables is philanthropy. In your opinion, what impact does culture have on people’s consciousness?

It’s not easy to define what culture is in just a few words! For the French Institute, it is a means to express ideas and a means to fully be a citizen of the current world. Clearly, artists, thinkers and philosophers help us to understand the world and other human groups and human beings, their differences, but also the commonalities that we share with them.

The impact of culture is huge in this way.

However, the French institute is also working with talented contemporary artists and thinkers. I would like to mention Mila Turajlic, a great filmmaker who represents the future of Serbian creative cinema, and Nemaja Radulovic, who became a world-famous violinist before he turned 40. They are Serbs, but they’ve been adopted by French society.

Commemorations of this jubilee began with the literary event Molière Days, which is one of the trademark manifestations of the French Institute. The programme was once again diverse, current and interesting. What sort of criteria do you take into consideration when forming a programme? Do you adapt to the interests and needs of the local audience, or do you endeavour to reveal to them values with which they’re not sufficiently acquainted?

We have to target both goals simultaneously!

In order to be relevant to the local audience and stimulate curiosity, we have to play the role of discoverers of new gifted writers, French ones, but also francophone ones, because the French language is rich with several cultures.

Our second mission is to promote classical or well-established authors, and to help editors translate their works from French to Serbian.

Literature matters; it is part of the French soul and culture, as everybody knows. It is also necessary to develop a good knowledge of French philosophers. Philosophers help to think about our current world and the high stakes. Everybody is concerned by themes like global warming, identity, discrimination, history or education.

We want to build the possibility for debates linked with our common world!

One of the more remarkable programmes of the Molière Days event was the debate with an extremely inspiring title - On the obsolescence of modernity. Does the concept of modernity burden us in our everyday life, perhaps also limiting our thinking about the future?

Wallonie Bruxelles international, one of our best foreign partners in Serbia, held this debate.

This a testimony to the importance of sharing ideas in French, together with other countries.

The question of modernity is deeply fixed in European consciousness. This is probably the reason you find this title inspiring! There is a direct link with our global questioning as far as the place of Europe in a changing world is concerned.

It’s not easy to define what culture is in just a few words!

For the French Institute, it is a means to express ideas and a means to fully be a citizen of the current world The “Caravan for Climate” was held recently, having been launched by the French Institute.

Awareness of environmental protection has been more evident in Serbia in recent years, yet almost every day we hear of the discovery of a new river swimming with waste or a forest with trees felled illegally. How can we fight against unscrupulous people?

To my mind, the major imperative is for us to raise awareness of the dangers of climate change and global warming among the population, and to do so as fast as possible. If a majority of people feel concerned, it will be more difficult to bypass the law. The more we inform citizens, the more the government will have to act tangibly to combat illegal or destructive behaviour. This is the aim of the “Caravan for Climate”, held with the help of different local and international partners who are fully engaged in this cause.

The main attraction of this year’s Nitrate Film Festival, held at the Yugoslav Film Archives Cinematheque, was a five-hour screening of the 1934 film adaptation of Victor Hugo’s

The French Institute was in Novi Pazar in late May, under the auspices of the project “Meet your representatives. You (are) asking/asked!”

What were the impressions like?

The impressions were completely positive.

As everybody knows, Novi Pazar is Serbia’s youngest city. It is important to involve the youth in local life, for economic reasons, but also to develop a feeling of full citizenship among the population that will build the future of the area.

The partnership with Koms and RYCO is also greatly satisfying, because local institutions are completely involved in implementing specific activities with young people in Novi Pazar.

The French Institute recently posted the ’One week - One word’ format on its Instagram account. You started with the word “Voilà”. What kinds of reactions did you receive?

This new initiative is a symbol of our commitment to the Eurovision Song Contest! The choice of the word “Voilà” was no accident…

And Serbian people gave many likes… for Barbara Pravi!

Local media here in Serbia wrote about her almost as much as they wrote about “Hurricanes”, Serbia’s own representatives, because she stated that her origins make her feel like a Serbian lady. Who did you support? Are you considering possibly bringing Barbara Pravi to Serbia?

When the French Institute and the French Embassy in Belgrade learned that the French entry was partly of Serbian origin, we decided to spread the information around us. Instagram was a tool. Moreover, Serbian viewers were clearly aware of that. I don’t know if that’s due to our commitment, but we are satisfied with the result!

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CCIFS ACTIVITIES

Reliable Partner The leading French-Serbian business network, the French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce (CCIFS), is an institution that brings together French companies in Serbia, as well as Serbian and other international companies that maintain trade relations with France or with French companies. The Chamber is also a reliable partner to all companies from France wanting to receive information or launch operations in Serbia

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he basic role of the CCIFS is to enable its members to access its network of companies, exchange experiences and knowhow, and realise cooperation with other members, both in Serbia and around the world. In order to promote French-Serbian economic exchanges and enable communication between member companies, the CCIFS organises around fifty different events annually.

Monthly Activities The CCIFS organises three to four events of different formats per month, which represent an opportunity for members to get acquainted, inform one another and, of course, enjoy socialising together. Confronted by the new situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the Chamber changed the format of events and launched a series of webinars organised for members. The topics were varied and aimed at being as useful as possible to members.

In cooperation with colleagues from six French chambers in the region, the Chamber also organised regional webinars: ‘Central Europe - what are the prospects for supply chains?’; ‘Processing industry - a chance for Central and Eastern Europe’; and ‘The future of energy efficiency in Europe’, which gathered together more than 700 participants. The CCIFS also organised various informal workshops, such as ‘Let’s Bake Together’, in cooperation with LESAFFRE, at which members were taught culinary skills.

Hybrid events were also organised, the best attended of which were ‘Hospitals Ready for the Future’ and ‘Water Sector: Smart Solutions for Sustainable Development’.

Also continuing to be held unhindered during the year of the pandemic were online meetings of clubs (Transport and Logistics, Infrastructure and Construction, CFO, HR, Digital, Agroclub and CSR), during the scope of which members exchanged experiences and mutually advised each other on ways to respond to different market demands during the crisis period.

“Dialogue 3:0” Online Conferences The CCIFS, in cooperation with the Chamber of Italian-Serbian Businessmen and the German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, launched a series of online conferences aimed at promoting dialogue between companies and state institutions. Three conferences have been jointly implemented to date: with the Tax Administration, the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veterans and Social Affairs, and the Ministry of Environmental Protection.

On 23rd October 2020, the online conference “Dialogue 3.0 with the Tax Administration” was held. These conferences, held at the operational level, are an excellent format for companies that thus receive very specific answers to their inquiries.

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CCIFS ACTIVITIES

CSR Club Educational Campaign “After college I’ll be ...”

In cooperation with the Career Development Centre of the University of Belgrade, the CCIFS launched a series of online workshops intended for students and giving them an opportunity to receive first-hand information from employees in various sectors at CCIFS member companies. The workshops organised during the first series dealt with professions in the fields of technology, finance, marketing, telecommunications, sales and project management. CCIFS organisers were very pleased with the positive feedback from students, who participated in large numbers, and will this autumn organise a new series of workshops, dedicated to the occupations of the future.

Launching The Campaign “How Can We Help You?” In the context of the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and the crisis that has gripped companies in Serbia, and with the aim of enabling the carrying out of its basic activity, in terms of supporting members, the French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce has launched a campaign called ‘How can we help you?’. Throughout the duration of the state of emergency, and afterwards, the entire CCIFS team was available to members at all times, in order to provide them with the best possible assistance and support during the crisis period.

The French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce was the initiator in the sending of an open request to Economy Minister Siniša Mali seeking the implementation of additional measures to support small and medium-sized enterprises. This initiative was supported by 12 bilateral foreign chambers of commerce and organisations in Serbia.

Simultaneously, in agreement with member companies from the construction sector, the CCIFS sent a letter to the Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure containing proposals to ease business caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Several surveys were also conducted to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the operational and financial activities of CCIFS members on the Serbian market, the results of which enabled the Chamber to better understand the needs of members.

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LeBooster – CCIFS Business Centre Logotip Leboostera Under the scope of support for start-ups and enabling French and Serbian companies to more easily integrate into the local market, the CCIFS opened the LeBooster Business Centre at its address in the heart of Belgrade, with an offer of offices, office space in a co-working area, virtual offices and conference rooms in a unique environment with a French touch. Companies can register a firm at the CCIFS’s address, or rent a desk for a certain period, along with the entire logistics, business and networking offer of the Chamber.

As an added benefit, individuals and businesses who use LeBooster Centre become part of the dynamic French-Serbian business community and gain access to a network of contacts and the numerous events organised by the Chamber.

French Week This is one of the Chamber’s most important events, which aims to promote French products, expertise and culture through a series of events organised at several locations in the capital and further afield. The objective of French Week is to promote historical, cultural and business ties between France and Serbia, and it is held during the period connected to the popular French custom of welcoming the arrival of young French wine, Beaujolais nouveau. The broad and colourful contents of the event provide guests with the opportunity to participate in traditional French Week events; to learn some of the secrets of French cuisine, to taste good wine at the reception of Beaujolais nouveau, and to taste famous French cheeses and other delicious delicacies.

This year’s French Week was organised in accordance with all health measures enforced in the Republic of Serbia with the aim of reducing the spread of COVID-19 infection. Events were organised exclusively online, including an Online Job Fair, Skills lab - an event intended for students, webinars of member companies: Electric vehicle chargers - Enel PS and the Digital Transformation of Energy Management - Schneider Electric. French Week also included the organising of an exclusive online meeting with the economic counsellor of the French embassy, Fabrice Blasquez, and the general director of the French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Sanja Ivanić, for representatives of French companies interested in exporting and opening companies in Serbia.

Support Services For French Companies The French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce works continuously to provide support to French companies wanting to develop their business activities in Serbia. The Chamber helps companies from France in researching market potential, finding clients and partners, opening branches and their operations on the Serbian market in general. Within the network of French chambers of commerce abroad, the CCIFS is ranked in the third - highest category, because it provides a complete service to French companies interested in the Serbian market: from initial information about the market to the opening of a business and assisting in running enterprises. The Chamber has for eight years been an operating partner of Business France, the stateowned French export promotion agency, and a member of Team France export. It also provides support to companies in the countries of the region, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and North Macedonia.

The CCIFS business centre, LeBooster, provides services from the renting of offices to all kinds of assistance in company operations.

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INTERIOR

By Sara Brajović

The Hidden World Of Parisian Interiors T The history of Paris is so vast and rich that it would take an entire lifetime to write about the city’s most historic building interiors. It is so easy to find suitable locations to write about, but the real difficulty is choosing. Paris is the centre of fashion, and fashion means change, yet when it comes to architecture few cities have shown greater respect for the past. It would be nice for you to read here about interiors that are little known or at least not so present in the media.

I do want to include some interiors that you can visit on your next trip to Paris, because it would be a shame to just read about certain interiors and not to experience them in person

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Hôtel de la Païva

he Hôtel de la Païva is a hôtel particulier, a grand townhouse of France, that was built between 1856 and 1866 at 25 Avenue des ChampsÉlysées by the courtesan Esther Lachmann, better known as La Païva. She was born into modest conditions in the Moscow ghetto, to Polish parents.

According to legend, in her youth she was pushed out of a cab by a hurried customer and slightly injured. She promised to herself to build herself a house on the avenue where she fell. After her marriage to Albino Francisco de Araújo de Paiva, the self-styled Portuguese marquis de la Païva, she had the funds to do so.

This house has been used since 1904 by the Travellers Club of Paris, a gentlemen’s club that was all-male until recently. It is only accessible if you visit with a member.

Perhaps its most famous feature, beside the yellow onyx staircase that is probably unique in the world, is the Napoleon III style bathtub. This onyx tub in silver was equipped with three taps, the third being used for milk

Hôtel de la Païva

or champagne. A white onyx bath lined with silver, a marble floor and gilt bronze taps, including that third one for milk or champagne, it was sculpted

by Donnadieu from a block of yellow onyx (1.85 m 900 kg). This type of onyx was used at the time of Napoleon III exclusively for the décor of the most prestigious buildings. La Paîva is said to have taken baths of milk, lime-blossom and even champagne.

Not surprisingly, the Traveller Paris started out as the most decadent address of the 19th Century.

The Hôtel Beauharnais is also an historic hôtel particulier grand townhouse, this one located in Paris’ 7th arrondissement. Designed by architect Germain Boffrand, construction was completed in 1714 and it today serves as the official residence of the German Ambassador to France. The vast property is not open to the public. The edifice had been purchased by Eugène de Beauharnais by 1803, who had it rebuilt in the Empire style. It has been listed as an official historical monument since 25th July 1951. The Hôtel de Beauharnais boasts the earliest interiors in Paris that retain most, if not all, of their original contents. Architectural historians have little to celebrate when talking about the French Revolution. Regardless of the good that the Revolution may have done in political terms, from the architectural point of view it was one of the most disastrous evens in French history, leading to the destruction of countless historic interiors. Royal Palaces and houses of the nobility were generally left standing, but the treasures they contained were largely confiscated and distributed

Hôtel Beauharnais

Hôtel de la Païva

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INTERIOR opens onto a central, square courtyard, around which the hôtel was built. It was constructed between 1640 and 1644, originally for financier Jean-Baptiste Lambert, then later occupied by his younger brother, Nicolas Lambert, president of the Chambre des Comptes. Nicolas Lambert commissioned Charles Le Brun to decorate the interiors, producing one of the finest examples of mid-17th-century domestic architecture and decorative painting in France.

This grand townhouse was purchased in 1843 by Polish Prince Adam Jerzy Czartoryski, who established the building as an important centre for Polish exiles and political activities, promoting Polish culture. Among the notable guests and patrons of the Hôtel Lambert were some renowned artists and politicians of the age, including Frédéric Chopin, Zygmunt Krasiński, Alphonse de Lamartine, George Sand, Honoré de Balzac, Hector Berlioz, Franz Liszt, Eugène Delacroix and Adam Mickiewicz. Chopin’s “La Polonaise” was composed exclusively for the Polish ball that was held there every year.

In 1975, The Lambert, as a UNESCO-listed site, was divided into several luxury apartments by the Rothschilds. In September 2007, Prince Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani, brother of the Emir of Qatar, bought the Hôtel Lambert from the Rothschilds, for the purported sum of 80 million euros, and began a controversial redevelopment of the building; a portion of the building was severely damaged on 10th July 2013 by a fire that started on the roof during renovation work.

The Maison de Verre was built from 1928 to 1932. Constructed in the early modern style of architecture, the primary materials used were steel, glass and glass block. The design was a collaboration between Pierre Chareau (a furni-

Hôtel Lambert at public auction. I believe that there is no single pre-Revolutionary interior in Paris that has retained its original contents. The interiors have today been restored to perfection and are among the finest examples of the First Empire style.

In 1975, Baron Guy de Rothschild and his wife, Baroness Marie-Hélène, purchased Hôtel Lambert, a grand townhouse and one of the most luxurious mansions in Paris, located on the Quai Anjou on the eastern tip of the Île Saint-Louis, in Paris’ 4th arrondissement, where the couple took up residence on the top floors.

The house, built on an irregular site at the tip of the Île Saint-Louis in the heart of Paris, was designed by architect Louis Le Vau. The entrance

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Lapérouse Restaurant

Hotel de Beauharnais ture and interior designer) and Bernard Bijvoet.

Unable to expel an elderly woman resident on the top floor, the house was engraved underneath an existing apartment. As such, the house uses a skeletal frame steel construction to allow a free plan and the use of omnipresent lightweight materials, such as glass and glass block. American architectural historian Robert Rubin bought the house from the Dalsace family in 2006, in order to restore it and use it as his family residence. He allows a limited number of tours of the house. The honesty of materials, variable transparency of forms and juxtaposition of “industrial” materials and traditional home décor makes Maison de Verre a landmark of 20th century architecture.

“Lapérouse Restaurant has always been a house of pleasures — of gastronomy, of the flesh, of drinking, smoking and seduction, of conversation, literature and the arts,” so said Benjamin Patou, an entrepreneur who has been dubbed by the French media as the king of Parisian nightlife. Jules Lapérouse took over the eatery and gave it his name in the mid-19th century, and well into the 20th century it was a place frequented

by Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Honoré de Balzac, Colette, Marcel Proust, Ernest Hemingway and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Established in 1766, the restaurant was awarded three prestigious Michelin stars between 1933 and 1968.

The private salons became the love nests of senators and their mistresses, the “cocottes”, who used the mirrors as a surface to etch and verify the quality of the diamonds they were

gifted by their lovers. Lapérouse became the venue of choice to mingle and unwind behind closed doors, far from the Parisian crowds. It was here where its famous “cocottes”, Caroline Otero and Liane de Pougy, renowned for their frivolous antics during the Belle Époque, would write the legends of the erotic capital. It is also believed that senators would meet their lovers via a secret underground passage…

Legend has it that Serge Gainsbourg met Jane Birkin here. So much was said, yet so little… as secrecy was the salons’ golden rule. Scratching the surfaces of the mirrors became a ritual over the years, and among the guests who have scrawled for posterity are Madonna, Amber Heard, George Clooney and Kate Moss, whose contribution reads: “It’s 2 late 2 go 2 bed”.

T.S. Eliot one said: “the chief danger about Paris is that it is such a strong stimulant”. We don’t think there’s anything wrong with that.

Lapérouse Restaurant

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