Partners GREECE & SERBIA: The Cradle of European Culture

Partner May 2019

● Issue No.# 12 ● ISSN broj 2560-4465

Greece - Serbia

GREECE THE CRADLE OF EUROPEAN CULTURE

Athanasia Anagnostopoulou, Alternate Minister for Foreign Affairs of Greece ● George Koumoutsakos, Member of the Hellenic Parliament, Shadow Foreign Minister, Nea Demokratia Party ● Zafeirios Lampadaridis, Chairman of the Management Board of the Hellenic Business Association of Serbia ● Selena Đorđević Executive Officer of the Hellenic Business Association of Serbia ● Nikolaos Veropoulos, CEO of Veropoulos Group ● Rita I. Lozinsky, CEO & Managing Director, ALUMIL YU INDUSTRY A.D. ● Christos Alexopoulos, PhD, Director of the College of Applied Health Sciences, Ćuprija ● Odyssefs Markakis, Director, KLEEMANN LIFTS d.o.o. (Ltd.)

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CONTENT

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RESILIENT PARTNERSHIP COMMENT

SHARING A COMMON VISION

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ATHANASIA ANAGNOSTOPOULOU, ALTERNATE MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF GREECE

TIME FOR NEW COLLABORATIONS

SELENA ĐORĐEVIĆ, EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE HELLENIC BUSINESS ASSOCIATION OF SERBIA

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BUILDING EXCELLENCE EVERY DAY

RITA I. LOZINSKY, CEO & MANAGING DIRECTOR, ALUMIL YU INDUSTRY A.D.

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OUR SUPPORT TO INTEGRATION IS UNDISPUTED

GEORGE KOUMOUTSAKOS, MEMBER OF THE HELLENIC PARLIAMENT, GREEK SHADOW FOREIGN MINISTER, NEA DEMOKRATIA PARTY

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STRONGER ECONOMY BRINGS NEW INVESTMENTS

ZAFEIRIOS LAMPADARIDIS, CHAIRMAN OF THE MANAGEMENT BOARD OF THE HELLENIC BUSINESS ASSOCIATION OF SERBIA

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SERBIAN COLLEGE, EUROPEAN STANDARDS

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LOUD AND PROUD SOCIAL LIFE

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HBA ACTIVITIES, 2018-2019

ECONOMY

HOW HAS GREEK INFLUENCED THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

GREEK LANGUAGE

NIKOS VEROPOULOS, CEO OF VEROPOULOS GROUP

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KLEEMANN LIFTS FOR THE PLANET

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BLUE IN BLUE

CONTEMPORARY ART

BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA

CHRISTOS ALEXOPOULOS, PHD, DIRECTOR OF THE COLLEGE OF APPLIED HEALTH SCIENCES, ĆUPRIJA

PRINCIPLED SYMBIOSIS OF PROFIT AND ETHICS

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STREET ART TO DISCOVER IN ATHENS

THE INCREDIBLE BLUE CAVES OF GREECE

BEAUTIFUL GREEK TAVERNA CHAIR DESIGN

ODYSSEUS MARKAKIS, DIRECTOR, KLEEMANN LIFTS D.O.O. (LTD.)

EDITOR Ana Novčić a.novcic@aim.rs a.novcic@cordmagazine.com DESIGNER Jasmina Laković j.lakovic@aim.rs PHOTOS Zoran Petrović COPY EDITOR Mark Pullen mrpeditorial@mail.com

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PROJECT MANAGERS Biljana Dević b.devic@aim.rs Nataša Trifunović n.trifunovic@aim.rs Vesna Vukajlović v.vukajlovic@aim.rs Mihailo Čučković m.cuckovic@aim.rs OFFICE MANAGER Svetlana Petrović s.petrovic@aim.rs

EDITORIAL MANAGER Neda Lukić n.lukic@aim.rs FINANCE Dragana Skrobonja d.skrobonja@aim.rs EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Maja Vidaković m.vidakovic@aim.rs GENERAL MANAGER Ivan Novčić i.novcic@aim.rs

PRINTING Rotografika d.o.o.

Segedinski put 72, Subotica, Serbia

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The views expressed in this publication are those of the presenter; they do not necessary reflect the view of publications published by alliance international media THIS PUBLICATION IS FREE OF CHARGE

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COMMENT

Resilient

PARTNERSHIP It is clearly the time to think about new opportunities for cooperation between Greece and Serbia. After tough years during which both countries suffered the consequences of the protracted financial crisis, new resilient business emerged ready to explore innovative venues for investments

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he impressive recovery of the Greek economy can be easily seen in new interest for investments abroad.

As an important destination for Greek capital since the early 2000s, the Western Balkans and Serbia are enjoying fresh interest from Greek companies working in the energy and renewable energy sectors, and in the fields of agriculture, real estate and tourism development, as well as information technology and telecommunications.

New membership in the Hellenic Business Association of Serbia, and the activities of this business association which has for 15 years been a devoted promoter of the interests of Greek businesses in Serbia, serves as a litmus test for that.

The Association celebrates its anniversary both festively and industriously.

Its list of activities includes many B2B meetings organised in order to provide a possibility to discuss potential new products, technologies and services, business and research cooperation, technology transfer agreements, and many more fields. These activities go hand in hand with more strategic meetings with important Greek business associations and its Serbian counterparts.

These new activities are landing on fertile ground. Greece has for decades represented an important economic and business partner of Serbia. Mutual cooperation flourishes on the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, which has led to important Greek investments in Serbia over the past 15 years.

In the meantime, the Western Balkans and Serbia have undergone considerable changes, reforming their economies and aligning them with EU standards. Many infrastructure activities aimed at connecting the Western Balkan countries mutually and into the EU transportation network are in the pipeline, making the region even more attractive for foreign investors.

Indeed, access to a skilled workforce, incentives for investors and an improved business climate all make Serbia one of the most attractive countries in the region.

It is now time to think about how these new opportunities for Greek investments, coming from both existing businesses operating in Serbia and new ones, can be utilised. At present there are still some obstacles to more efficient cooperation, such as barriers still hidden in trade, cargo transportation, construction permits, registering property and elsewhere.

As noted by Mr Zafeirios Lampadaridis, President of the Management Board of the Hellenic Business Association of Serbia, larger industrial manufacturing groups that benefit from the low cost of labour, a favourable tax regime and the proximity to the Western Balkans market, have yet to enter the market. Their decisions clearly depend on a more effective and enforceable plan for the improvement of the business climate.

The recent establishment of the High-Level Economic Cooperation Council between the two countries is seen as an important vehicle for the further enhancement of bilateral economic cooperation.

Now that there are new opportunities for Greek investments, it is important to think of the hidden barriers that need to be removed in trading, cargo transportation, construction permits, registering property and elsewhere

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INTERVIEW

ATHANASIA ANAGNOSTOPOULOU, ALTERNATE MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF GREECE

SHARING

A Common Vision

We believe that Serbia plays a pivotal role in ensuring the security and stability of the Balkan region and we're always ready to assist Belgrade in continuing on its reform path 8

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he outcome of the upcoming European elections may have enduring effects on the composition of the European Union and its attitude regarding new entrants. We took the opportunity to discuss these issues with Athanasia Anagnostopoulou, Alternate Minister for Foreign Affairs of Greece.

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PROPOSITION

What we are proposing to citizens is a broad Progressive Front that is basically a call for a struggle against austerity and for democracy in Europe

MISSION

Greece is fighting for the development of peace, solidarity and mutual support in our Balkan neighbourhood

OPPORTUNITY

Trade, transport, energy, infrastructure, digitalisation and telecommunications are areas where there is still plenty of room for upgrading

showed its ability to produce positive developments If right wing populists win, how will that impact on the and major international achievements. overall position of the EU, as an idea, and how will it influence the outcome of Greece’s October elections?

While many insist that the Prespa Agreement is impor- The European elections, to be held on 26th May, are tant for regional security and the progress of the Westparticularly crucial for Europe and for the future of the ern Balkan region towards EU accession, do you think European Union itself. Citizens are called upon to decide the stalemate in the Belgrade-Priština Dialogue could what kind of Europe they would like. These elections are undermine those gains? crucial because citizens are given an opportunity to reject austerity policies, or neo-liberal policies. The rise of the far right across Europe shows that it is time to act.

We can’t afford to say that we didn’t know. For the Greek government, the European elections are not a referendum – as they are for the Nea Demokratia party. The predominance of the extreme right would be a devastating scenario, while it would also be disastrous to see the neo-liberal policies promoted by conservative parties actually prevail.

What we are proposing to citizens is a broad Progressive Front that is basically a call to fight against austerity and for democracy in Europe.

The Greek government has received very different responses to the Prespa Agreement, both at home and in the EU. What could be the long-term effects of this agreeSIA ANAGNOSTOPOULOU AND PRIME MINISTER OF NORTH MACEDONIA ZORAN ZAEV ment on the situation in the Western Balkans?

- The Governments of the Hellenic - The signing and, most importantly, The Prespa Agreement Republic and the Republic of North entry into force of the Prespa Agreecontributes to the further Macedonia have demonstrated poment contribute to the further conconsolidation of stability, litical decisiveness and courage to solidation of regional stability, securesolve the difficult name issue, rity and growth. It serves relations security and growth in which had remained unresolved since between two neighbouring countries the region, and has a the 1990s, and to promote good and has a positive impact on regional neighbourly relations in the Southern cooperation and the implementation positive impact on the Balkans. In this respect, the Prespa of significant regional projects. During a difficult period in which good news implementation of significant Agreement contributes to regional security and facilitates Skopje’s is something of a rarity, our region regional projects 9

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European integration process. We believe that the Balkan Peninsula can be an example of understanding and reciprocity for the whole of Europe.

When it comes to reaching viable solutions in difficult

current impasse in the Dialogue. As EU officials have underlined, these tariffs imposed by Priština – which contravene CEFTA and the “spirit” of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement – undermine all the good work done to date and are contrary to the principles of regional cooperation. Furthermore, I would like to note that the tariffs also affect Greek companies, as well as other European exports from Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

How do you see Greece’s role in the region, particularly when it comes to the EU accession of the Western Balkan states, including Serbia?

- While recovering from economic crisis, my country plays an increasingly active role in Southeast Europe and has again emerged as an important regional player.

This new role is demonstrated not only by the signing of the Prespa Agreement, which constitutes a milestone with regard to the resolving of bilateral issues in the region, but also by our participation and sensitive long-standing issues, The Prespa Agreement in multilateral cooperation schemes. notably those that preoccupy public contributes to the further On Greece’s initiative, five multiopinion, political will is always a key lateral cooperation schemes have precondition and not a panacea. consolidation of stability, been formed in Southeast Europe, There are also other factors that security and growth in with the aim of enhancing coopmatter. Any unresolved issue has its eration and coordination among the own parameters, characteristics and the region, and has a participating countries on matters particularities. positive impact on of mutual interest or concern arising in the region: Greece-BulgariaIn your opinion, who or what could the implementation of Greece-Bulgariahelp bring the two sides back to the significant regional projects Romania-Serbia, Serbia, Greece-Bulgaria-Romania, negotiating table?

Greece-Bulgaria-Romania-Croatia - Greece attaches great importance and Greece-Albania-North Macedonia-Bulgaria. These to the Dialogue between Belgrade and Priština, facilitated regional cooperation formats have proven useful for by the European Union. We strongly believe that the 2013 regular exchanges of views on common challenges and Brussels Agreement constitutes a valid framework for the opportunities in Southeast Europe. talks between the two parties, with a view to normalising Greece is one of the oldest members of the European their mutual relations. In this regard, it is in the interests Union and has long been a supporter of the European inof both Serbia and Kosovo to return to the negotiating tegration of the Western Balkans, of course under the set table and to work together to achieve sustainable and conditions. We have demonstrated this support in all of our mutually acceptable solutions. presidencies of the Council of the EU. In particular, I would like To this end, Greece – along with the EU – stresses to stress that it was under the Hellenic Presidency of 2003, the importance of removing obstacles, namely revoking during the Thessaloniki Summit, that the European Council the customs tariffs imposed on imports to Kosovo from set the Western Balkans as a priority of EU enlargement.

Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina that have created the 10

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Regarding Serbia’s European accession prospects, the Hellenic Republic has supported it consistently in every way possible, as we believe that Serbia plays a pivotal role in ensuring security and stability in the Balkan region, and it is important that EU accession remains a top priority for the country. The government and people of Serbia demonstrate their strong commitment to the country’s EU membership bid. In this context, we commend Serbia for the continuing progress that has led to the opening of 16 Accession Negotiation Chapters and we are always ready to assist Belgrade in continuing its reform path, also through the Memorandum of Understanding on the acceleration of Serbia’s EU integration process that was signed between Greece and Serbia in 2010. This MoU provides a wide range of tools for cooperation between our two countries and constitutes a good foundation upon which the two sides can further build.

Minister Alexis Tsipras and North Macedonia Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, as well as the signing of partial agreements that fulfil long-standing demands of local communities, demonstrate that we are proceeding with

the implementation of the agreement in the spirit of consensus for the well-being of citizens.

Greece is fighting for the cause of developing peace, solidarity and mutual support in our Balkan neighbourhood. Greece can play a key role in creating a peaceful European neighbourhood in the Balkans. That is why we are fighting together with all countries in the region that respect international law and European values.

The tariffs imposed

by Priština affect Greek companies, as well as other European exports from Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina

To what extent did austerity measures in Greece, as well as the economic turmoil faced by the country, impact negatively on the country’s position in the international arena and closer to home in the Western Balkans, where Turkey is increasingly active in politics and economics?

- Greece has definitely turned to a new page. In the course of its recovery from economic crisis, the country’s historic exit from the memoranda that took place last August constitutes a benchmark. Greece is now a positive pan-European example, the sacrifices of the Greek people have been acknowledged, along with the fact that mistakes were made on the part of institutions. But all of that belongs to the past. It is significant that Greece has already initiated procedures to request the partial early repayment of debt to the IMF – a process that proves that international credibility has been recovered.

As far as the country’s position in our neighbourhood of the Balkans is concerned, the signing of the historic Prespa Agreement has already produced a chain of positive results. The signing of the action plan between Prime

What are the main diplomatic topics where Greece and Serbia can work together?

- Diplomatic relations between Greece and Serbia were established in 1868 and are still excellent. The friendship between Greece and Serbia is one that has endured through time and been reaffirmed again and again throughout history. We are bound by sound religious, historic and economic ties. Greece and Serbia also found themselves in the same alliances during the wars of the last century – an historical fact that enhances mutual trust between our two countries.

We also share a common vision for the future, since Greece – as I have already mentioned previously – is 11

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for the further enhancement of our relations. Tourism constitutes a strong link between the two countries, as Greece is a very popular tourist destination among the Serbian people. I would like to invite Serbian tourists to further explore the whole country and discover new destinations, where they can enjoy famous Greek hospitality.

Greece would also welcome Serbian investments in the tourism industry, and particularly in the development of synergies in sectors of mutual interest, such as religious/ pilgrimage tourism and ecotourism.

Trade, transport, energy, infrastructure, digitalisation and telecommunications are also areas of mutual interest in which there is still plenty of room to upgrade our economic cooperation, e.g. through projects that will enhance interconnectivity within the Western Balkans, as well as with the EU, including through the implementation of infrastructure projects and the provision of services. In this context, I would like to add that Greek companies with rich experience in the sectors of transport infrastructure, consulting and telecommunications can provide their services in the implementation of such projects in the region. Furthermore, there is potential for joint actions in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency, as well as in the electricity sector.

Moreover, there is room to improve our relations in the fields of culture and education, e.g. by organising joint projects in universities and think-tanks. Additionally, research, technology, biomedicine and organic farming provide significant opportunities to expand our cooperation. What’s more, there is also a lot to be done by capitalising on the opportunities offered by European programmes.

In conclusion, I deem it valuable a strong supporter of Serbia’s EU We welcome Serbian for us to benefit from the momentum membership.

Greece is situated at the crossinvestments in the tourism created by the Trilateral and Quadschemes of cooperation roads of three continents and has, industry, and particularly in rilateral with our neighbours in the region, since antiquity, connected peoples, goods and cultures. It is for this rea- the development of synergies in which both of our countries have son that Greece has long been a strain sectors of mutual interest, been participating actively.

Moreover, the Prespa Agreetegic transport node for the wider such as religious/pilgrimage ment, as a historic development not region. Greek ports are strategically only for the two countries involved located and are being transformed tourism and ecotourism but for the entire region, provides into regional logistics hubs for the ample space for the evolution of bilateral cooperation transport of goods from Asia to Europe. Serbia also between the Hellenic Republic and the Republic of North has a significant strategic position in the region. The Macedonia, which will be enhanced significantly, and two countries have acknowledged the added value of indeed important opportunities for a trilateral Greecestrengthening their robust cooperation in all fields even Serbia-North Macedonia cooperative format, mainly further and have established the High Level Cooperation on issues of interconnectivity (road, rail, digital), police Council – the first session of which took place in Thesand civil protection cooperation, including through the saloniki in 2017. transfers of knowhow.

Economic cooperation offers many opportunities 12

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INTERVIEW

GEORGE KOUMOUTSAKOS, MEMBER OF THE HELLENIC PARLIAMENT, GREEK SHADOW FOREIGN MINISTER, NEA DEMOKRATIA PARTY

OUR SUPPORT

To Integration Is Undisputed Greece has a sincere strategy to support the creation of a peaceful and prosperous environment in the Balkans. The country's Nea Demokratia party envisages a series of structural changes in Greece's foreign policy mechanism in order to realise its role. It also recognises Serbia as a forerunner of the region in the EU integration process

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reece has a pivotal role in supporting the EU integration process in the Balkans, for its own sake and for the sake of the region. The success of this endeavour takes two sides – and that means the EU’s willingness to clearly support the process, and the Balkan countries’ eagerness to adhere to the highest standards of human rights, freedom of speech, the rule of law and other EU standards, says George Koumoutsakos, Member of the Hellenic Parliament and Nea Demokratia’s Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs.

How has the harsh austerity programme that Greece must soon leave behind impacted on the country’s position in the international arena?

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COOPERATION

The High-Level Cooperation Council provides an effective way to enhance cooperation between us, especially in the fields of transportation, energy and trade

MOMENTUM

As a member of both the EU and NATO, Greece has a unique geopolitical role in the Balkans, and must capitalise on the international momentum generated for the sake of the region's prosperity

PRINCIPLE

In the case that Belgrade and Priština reach agreement, we will support that. In the meantime, our position will remain the same regarding the issue of recognition

- Despite economic crisis, our country European integration must Demokratia has planned a series of structural changes in the foreign policy retains significant political and ecobecome the catalyst for a mechanism in order to accomplish this nomic influence internationally, but role, such as the formation of a national even more so on the Balkan peninsula. solution, and not for the security council, policies for more effecIn economic terms, Greece’s economy perpetuation of problems tive remains perhaps the most important public diplomacy and improvement in the Balkans in the Balkans, while the country is one in the quality of economic diplomacy. of the region’s largest investors. As a member of both the EU and NATO, Greece plays a key role How do you think Brexit will unfold; what could the rein promoting peace and stability. It has a unique geopolitipercussions be for the EU and the UK; and how might it impact on Greece? cal role that it must use to capitalise on the international - Brexit will have an impact on every European country, momentum generated, not only for the sake of our national but mainly on Britain. Recent developments send a strong interest, but also for the prosperity of the region. Nea

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signal to those who believed it would be easy and profitable to leave the European family. It is a signal that I am sure European citizens will take into consideration during the forthcoming European Parliament elections.

weak points of this agreement. This doesn’t change. We are actually seeing these problems arising even earlier, but now the Agreement has been ratified by the Greek Parliament.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis pointed out that the next government will take every possible measure to protect our national interests with respect to international law.

How would you comment on the ongoing stalemate in the dialogue between Belgrade and Priština?

- Greece has a clear position regarding this issue. We support the Belgrade-Priština political dialogue; we believe that a possible agreement will be a step towards normalising relations between Serbia and Kosovo. In the case that the two parties reach agreement, we will support this mutually agreed solution. In the meantime, our position will remain the same regarding the issue of recognition.

Greece has a sincere strategy to support the creation of a peaceful and prosperous environment in the Balkans, the preconditions of which What are the most pressing issues reNea Demokratia has clearly are respect for human rights, fundalated to foreign relations that Greece underlined the weak points mental freedoms and international must address, and how should they be addressed? law and, of course, the principle of of the Prespa Agreement.

- Relations with Turkey is a “traditional” neighbourly relations.

The next government will take goodI additionally priority of Greek diplomacy. But the believe that the innew geopolitical environment being tegration process of the Western every possible measure formed in recent times provides with Balkan countries must advance. The to protect our national new challenges and new opportunities stabilisation of the region is also in interests with respect to that we must explore and address.

Greece’s interest, but European inteDuring recent years we’ve witnessed gration must become the catalyst for a international law Turkey diverging from the West, parsolution, and not for the perpetuation of problems. And, of course, Serbia is the front runner in ticularly with regard to its relations with the European the enlargement process.

Union and the United States.

In the meantime, a series of Turkish statements and actions have deliberately ignored fundamental rules of How would you assess the level of relation between Serinternational Law and the UN Treaty on the Law of the bia and Greece; which issues should be in the focus of Sea, reflecting Ankara’s revisionist logic in the Aegean and our bilateral relations? eastern Mediterranean seas. Ankara should not think that - I had the opportunity to visit Serbia recently, and to it can create conditions that impose any kind of forced confirm traditionally good and productive relations. negotiation on Greece by raising tensions.

But there are always ways to improve. I believe that the High-Level Cooperation Council provides opportunities You have criticised the Prespa Agreement, despite many that we have to capitalise on in a more effective way, to in the EU seeing it as a breakthrough advancement that practically enhance our cooperation, especially in the fields could earn its signatories the Nobel Peace Prize. Do you of transportation and energy networks, and to increase maintain your previous stance and, if so, why? trade operations. These are tangible targets that we can - Nea Demokratia has clearly underlined the very important meet for the sake of our mutual interests.

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RITA I. LOZINSKY, CEO & MANAGING DIRECTOR, ALUMIL YU INDUSTRY A.D.

CORPORATE

BUILDING EXCELLENCE Every Day

"Alumil celebrates an anniversary this year - 30 years of business, development and successful present in 32 countries"

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or the Alumil Group, the year 2019 has a special importance as it marks 30 years of business, progress and success.

The result is a leading position in the region and Europe and on world markets. This was Rita I. Lozinsky’s answer in an interview for CORD on the question about the importance of this year for her company. She underlines that “thanks to a whole array of excellent, world-renowned architects, the building industry in Serbia has a long tradition of applying the most modern means and styles of construction. This is also shown by the great success of the exhibition Concrete Utopia – Architecture in Yugoslavia 1948-1980, at the Museum of Modern Art in New York (MOMA).

“The truth is that Serbia had an economically difficult period in the 1990s, in which there was not much room for large scale projects and construction. However, after the launch of new capital investments, the field for the application of modern technological achievements has now opened up even more. As a result, a large market area has opened up for ALUMIL’s advanced SUPREME series systems, which offer solutions for the most demanding requirements in the construction industry.”

tories to these agreements. Naturally, this is a great challenge for Alumil as the largest exporter of aluminium profiles. As for the CEFTA agreement, I think that its brutal and arbitrary violation by the Priština authorities fortunately did not affect business with the other signatory countries to which Alumil regularly exports its products. Regarding the bilateral agreement with the Russian Federation that is in force, and of course we use it, but the bureaucratic procedures of the Russian customs authorities greatly hinder and slow down normal operations.”

Our highly sophisticated products, but above all the avant-garde vision and devoted work of management, engineers, administrators and production workers allow Alumil to BUILD EXCELLENCE EVERY DAY

You explained once that the free trade agreements that Serbia has with certain countries and the SAA motivated Alumil to invest in Serbia. How does this calculation seem today, when CEFTA is in deep trouble, and the agreement with Russia has not sufficiently materialised?

- “It is true that good free trade agreements are a great motivation for attracting both foreign and domestic investment, given the abolition of customs duties with the EU and the countries signa-

As a member of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Business Association, you have been collaborating with Belgrade University for years. What are the concrete effects of this cooperation, in view of the great outflow of young people from the country?

- “By presenting the performance of its products and business, Alumil is trying to awaken young people, above all in the desire to acquire new knowledge. Our company mostly cooperates with the technical faculties at Belgrade University. Through this communication, Alumil is trying to familiarize future engineers with processes in production, offering them unique practice in our company so they will return to us after their studies. As for the outflow of young people from the country, this negative trend is strongly felt in our business, but we hope that in a few years these young people will return to a developed country with newly acquired knowledge and experience that always bring positive changes. It is a great pride for our company in Serbia that we have on our staff people who have built their career in other countries, and who contribute to the development of the company through their experience.”

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INTERVIEW

ZAFEIRIOS LAMPADARIDIS, CHAIRMAN OF THE MANAGEMENT BOARD OF THE HELLENIC BUSINESS ASSOCIATION OF SERBIA

STRONGER ECONOMY Brings New Investments

Balkan countries, and especially Serbia, continue to be markets of great opportunities and positive business prospects for Greek businesses. Although the region already hosts many Greek companies, improving infrastructure connectivity between countries and reducing delays for trade will also contribute to faster development and reform progress at many levels

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or the last 15 years, the Hellenic Business Association (HBA) in Serbia has represented an important address for all Greek investors seeking new opportunities for investment cooperation between Greece and Serbia.

Apart from traditional sectors in which Greek companies are already operating in Serbia, there are new avenues for cooperation in various fields, such as energy and renewable energy, agriculture, real estate and tourism development and information technology and telecommunications, says Zafeirios Lampadaridis, Chairman of the HBA Management Board.

How would you assess business opportunities in Serbia for existing and prospective Greek investors?

- Greece traditionally represents an important economic and business partner of Serbia, as the two countries have always enjoyed excellent bilateral relations, reflected through important Greek investments in Serbia over the past 15 years.

Many Greek companies have recognised Serbia’s investment potential and decided to locate and relocate operations in Serbia. For some of them, Serbia serves as a manufacturing hub

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that enables duty-free exports to a market of almost a billion people. Others are attracted by the great level of the highly skilled and easily trained workforce, an environment of good incentives and the business-friendly tax system. But it should be said that, despite the great interest in Greek investments in Serbia, the two countries have not yet explored opportunities and complementarities in many sectors. To that end, many B2B meetings are organised to provide the possibility to discuss potential new products, technologies and services, business and research cooperation, technology transfer agreements, identifying buyers and suppliers, and even more. One quite optimistic fact is that the expected growth of the Greek economy in the coming years will lead to even greater interest in the Serbian market among Greek companies. Furthermore, the recent establishment of the High-Level Economic Cooperation Council between the two countries will definitely contribute to enhancing bilateral economic cooperation.

To what extent has the Western Balkans changed in its quest to develop and reform?

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- From a business perspective, the countries of the Western Balkans have made major progress over recent years in terms of reducing trade barriers, both within the context of their regional free trade agreement and their aspirations to eventual EU membership, and thus further advances in this area would be beneficial to all sides. More specifically, from a Greek business perspective, the Western Balkans could attract the attention of a larger number of industrial manufacturing groups that would benefit from the low cost of labour, even lower taxes on opening factories and, of course, the proximity to the Western Balkan market, if there was a more effective and enforceable plan to improve business standards. Even though the region already hosts many Greek companies, improving infrastructure connectivity between countries and the reducing of delays to trade will also contribute to faster development and reform progress at many levels.

With this in mind, most HBA member companies are active in more than one Balkan country.

From the perspective of your member companies, which sectors in Serbia might be the most attractive for Greek investors?

- Since the staging of the Greek-Serbian Business Forum in Thessaloniki in March 2018, the Hellenic Business Association of Serbia – as a non-government organisation that has been devoted to “monitoring” market developments and the business sector in Serbia - insisted in particular on organising activities mainly with the Embassy of Greece in Belgrade, the ultimate goal of which is to connect businesspeople and seek new opportunities for investment cooperation. In the last year, the sectors in which our members and other Greek entrepreneurs have shown an interest in Serbia are energy and renewable energy, agriculture, real estate/tourism development and information technology and telecommunications.

Despite great interest in Greek investments in Serbia, opportunities are yet to be explored in sectors like agriculture, food and beverages, building and construction materials, energy, information and communication technologies

How many of your members are companies that operate in Serbia today and how many of them operate in the region?

What prospects do they see?

- According to the recent presentation held in Thessaloniki by the commercial attaches of Greek embassies in the region, Balkan countries, and especially Serbia, continue to be markets of great opportunities and positive business prospects for Greek businesses. As already pointed out, there is still a need to resolve issues that hinder entrepreneurship in the region, but there are also a number of factors that make the region attractive to HBA member companies. Steady growth, the continuous creation of employment opportunities and relatively low inflation help reduce poverty, meaning that the 18 million inhabitants of the region are becoming increasingly important as potential customers, as improvements to the level of residents’ living conditions increase requirements for quality and branded products. Although there is still plenty of room to develop bilateral economic cooperation not only in the form of trade flows, but also through ventures/investments in Serbia and the Balkan region, our business practise has so far proven that any foreign business deciding to establish operations or conduct investments in Serbia encounter a reliable and dynamic country that affords them a much greater opportunity than they initially perceived.

After five years of the “The Greek Initiative to Work Experience”, which experiences would you like to share with the business community?

- The engagements of Greek businesses in Serbia, and the multiannual programme “The Greek Initiative toWork Experience”, show that adaptability is a new competitive advantage. When leading businesses seem to be falling behind in sectors where they were

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once dominant players, there is a clear recognition that the status quo cannot be maintained and this is certainly something that Greek businesses know very well. Besides, if this were not the case, Greek companies would not have managed to maintain their stable and recognisable presence on the Serbian market during the crisis. With this in mind, existing Greek businesses have been forced to push their businesses to their competitive limits and have developed an ability to respond to changes while never losing sight of their original vision.

Which recent HBA activities stand out in terms of their contribution to society?

- In several of the recent events organised by our Association, we have pointed out the status and role of the Greek School in Belgrade, which is a school that teaches the Greek language to preschool and school-age children. The Greek School in Belgrade is a self-financing organisation that holds various events of a Greek character. Since the Hellenic Business Association of Serbia welcomes any initiative to promote Greek culture and tradition, for this purpose, the Management Board launched an initiative to support the work of this school. According to that initiative, the Association provided an alternative space for conducting lessons and realised a purchase of one part of essential equipment. The School now operates in a new location and has larger spaces, while the number of students has reached 70! Moreover, I am pleased to confirm that the HBA, in coordination with the Embassy of Greece in Belgrade and other Greek entrepreneurs in the country, has undertaken to contribute in 2019 to the renovation of the Monastery of Saint Archangel Gabriel in Zemun, where liturgies are performed in the Greek language. You see that, as representatives of our state in Serbia, besides the business sector that is our priority, we welcome every effort to promote Greek culture and tradition.

environment. In addition, it is a strong body that promotes its members in front of key stakeholders, such as the Serbian government, media and other foreign business associations and chambers active on the market. In this respect, our members principally expect that, while doing business in Serbia, they will receive full support in communication with Serbian and Greek institutions and the possible protection of their interests.

In achieving its main tasks, the Hellenic Business Association of Serbia has succeeded in presenting its members as a strong representative profile with an outstanding impact in Serbia, and additionally promoting Greek business practises as very successful, for which we are very proud.

Considering that you operate in the hospitality sector, how would you assess Serbia’s potential for tourism?

- Tourism represents one of the real chances for significant development that Serbia possesses. However, the country is not exploiting its cultural points, historical resources and tourism potential, mostly due to poor infrastructure and a lack of cooperation between relevant local institutions. It is known that the development of tourism in Serbia has been neglected for decades and that the quality and diverse resource base of Serbia is not utilised sufficiently, as the offer of Serbian tourism products, spontaneously developed for the needs of domestic tourism, is not able to respond to the contemporary trends of the international tourist market.

In order for Serbia to take its place in the international tourist market, it must increase the competitiveness and attractiveness of tourism products significantly, based on the principles of sustainable development – as current analyses indicate that the future volume of tourist demand will be reflected through the use of modern information technologies, communications and transport, by redirecting demand to destinations with original natural values and a high degree of ecological stability, a marked increase of interest in ecological values, restoring nature and expanding the knowledge horizon. It is also estimated that travel for health and preventative care will be dominant in the 21st century, so the country could reach great demand as a result of its numerous medical spa centres.

The Western Balkans could have attracted the attention of a larger number of industrial manufacturing groups if there was a more effective and enforceable plan to improve business standards

What do member companies expect from the Association?

Which of your services are in high demand?

- The Hellenic Business Association of Serbia targets bringing the Greek market and the market of Serbia closer and to give Greek companies the chance to operate in a safe investment 20

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ODYSSEUS MARKAKIS, DIRECTOR, KLEEMANN LIFTS D.O.O. (LTD.)

CORPORATE

KLEEMANN

Lifts For The Planet All indicators show that the Serbian market is in constant growth, which is why we decided to invest constantly”

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LEEMANN Lifts, based in Šimanovci, represents just one part of a major Greek corporation that operates in 15 countries and distributes its products in another 100.

The director of KLEEMANN Lifts, Odysseus Markakis, responds to CorD’s question about what the key criteria are in determining the choice of country in which establish production operations by saying that it starts from an ability to serve customers on large and high-potential local markets quickly and reliably.

“Apart from the fact that KLEEMANN has the widest product range in the world, giving solutions to any vertical transportation need with world-class design, our biggest competitive advantage is that we are experts in special projects: we give full customisation options to our customers, while maintaining the record for the fastest deliveries. Therefore, having local production operations is a “must” for markets where we want to capture a large share, since we want to be fast and flexible when addressing customers’ needs with customised technical solutions.

“Based on this criterion, we have even expanded beyond Europe, where we are traditionally very strong. We couldn’t miss the Chinese market (which accounts for two-thirds of the world market), and we made a significant investment there in recent years, while we are also looking into the possibility of establishing a local presence in the United States.

“When it comes to Serbia in particular, since KLEEMANN is the leader of this market and we want to further increase our presence, the decision to establish production operations in this country is a consequence of our intention to serve the needs of our local customers more efficiently.”

You develop cutting-edge systems for passenger and freight lifts. Does the Serbian market have the capacity to absorb your products, which are based on the latest and most innovative technologies?

- Considering the high standards of quality and the strict and sophisticated modern technical specifications and regulations, the level of the Serbian lifts market is as high as that found in other demanding European countries. Certainly, our product range also has products that go beyond the needs of the Serbian market, like high-rise/high-speed lifts for very tall buildings. However, all our other technologies, like the Green Lift, the Destination Control Systems, the Advanced and Special Automations etc., are frequently requested by customers on the Serbian market, whom we appreciate for choosing us.

Their trust confirms that we have the best and most reliable products for vertical transportation solutions.

When it comes to Serbia in particular, since KLEEMANN is the leader of this market and we want to further increase our presence, the decision to establish production operations in this country is a consequence of our intention to serve the needs of our local customers more efficiently

The business public paid great attention to news from KLEEMANN last year regarding the expansion of your capacities and fresh investments. What specifically determines such operational decisions as expansion and re-investment?

- The central strategy that drives such decisions is that we need to have a strong presence wherever there is an important market, and to keep up with its projected potential. In Serbia there is every indication that the trend of strong growth we have observed in recent years will continue, and that is why we have been continually investing in this country. It should also be noted that KLEEMANN is the only manufacturer of complete lifts in Serbia.

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INTERVIEW

SELENA ĐORĐEVIĆ, EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE HELLENIC BUSINESS ASSOCIATION OF SERBIA

TIME FOR

New Collaborations Now that the Greek economy is recovering strongly and there is rising interest in cooperating with Serbia, we believe strongly that the time is ripe for our countries to work together on overcoming challenges that hinder new business possibilities

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ver the last 15 years, the Hellenic Business Association (HBA) of Serbia has positioned itself as a leading focal point of the Greek business community in Serbia. The HBA introduced a new corporate identity to mark this anniversary.

What kind of symbolism does the new corporate identity represent and what kind of novelty does it suggest in the work of the Association?

- The Hellenic Business Association of Serbia, as a private, non-governmental and non-profit organisation that has been operating in Serbia for 15 years, is excited to unveil its new corporate identity, which pays tribute to the legacy of the Association while conveying its progressive approach to the future. The design rationale for our new corporate identity was founded on the need to have an identity that accurately represents the HBA’s two constituent parts. Through the use of a strong, clean design, the new logo highlights long-term business links between Greece and Serbia, while at the same time reflecting architecturally the thread in the history and heritage of the Hellenic Republic. In this sense, it visually

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approaches the national crest of Greece, which consists of a blue escutcheon with a white cross, but it also contains an indispensable part that symbolises the Republic of Serbia, under the red colour. In this way, our new logo essentially represents and announces to the public great support and dynamism in strengthening business relations between the two countries.

Despite the global financial crisis that hit Greece particularly hard, Greek companies have remained on the Serbian market. How many members does the HBA have today and from which areas of business do new members come?

- It has been proven over previous years that - although Greece is still struggling to cope with internal economic imbalances - its companies have managed to maintain their resilient, stable and recognisable presence on the Serbian market. To our great pleasure, the withdrawals of major Greek banks from the country over previous years did not have an adverse effect on our other members’ status. Thus, the HBA today gathers together about 75 members that operate in sectors including banking, construction, hotel management and heavy industry, telecommunications and the food & beverage sec-

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tor. However, according to the latest business trends, this number will continue to grow – as the increasing number of companies that have recently joined the Association, or are expected to join, come from sectors such as transportation, telecommunications and real estate, promising the further development of mutual ties.

Which areas of the economy register the highest interest in B2B meetings?

- In a market that is changing constantly, Greek entrepreneurs are continuously searching through official meetings for new opportunities for collaboration and markets to develop, cost savings and sales growth. In this aspect, Serbia is an area that is very interesting, and it is for that reason that our Association - mainly in cooperation with the Embassy of Greece in Belgrade and other foreign business associations and chambers - constantly organises B2B meetings. A high level of interest has so far been attracted by the sector of construction materials, telecommunications and the food & beverage sector, but we also expect this to extend further to the energy and renewable energy sectors in the near future.

You recently held several important meetings with representatives of Greek chambers of commerce.

Which projects and goals do you see as having the possibility for closer cooperation with Serbian companies and business associations?

- The HBA is constantly engaged in searching for new business cooperation opportunities and upgrading existing ones, as well as overcoming possible barriers between Greece and Serbia. In this context, while - on the one hand - it constantly realises plenty of events with major players in the sphere of entrepreneurship, in areas in which good prospects are being created for bilateral business partnerships – such as energy and renewable energy, agriculture and food, telecommunications, real estate, tourism development and the pharmaceutical industry - it also - on the other hand - has to concentrate on resolving any difficulties faced by Greek entrepreneurs in Serbia. Our evidence so far shows that both countries record increasingly better results in their business cooperation each year and that new room for benefits is emerging, but the pace of resolving barriers to doing business is relatively slow. Unfortunately, such obstacles

are, for example, still hidden in trade, cargo transportation, construction permits, registering property etc. As such, in order for the two sides to communicate more effectively, for their problems to be perceived and their business relations to be more consolidated, our Association organises various thematic presentations, seminars and meetings that are aimed at a better acquainting members with the Serbian legislation, market and exploitation opportunities. We believe strongly that the time is ripe for Greece and Serbia to work harder by joining forces to overcome problems that hinder their business possibilities.

What new services will you offer your members this year?

- Generally, this year the Association will try to further upgrade its services and adapt them, primarily to the needs of members, but also to the needs of Greek entrepreneurs interested in Serbia. In our view, needs that should be covered in greater depth relate to information. Thus, our plans for 2019 are focused on conducting informative seminars and presentations that are suitable for different sizes and types of businesses, providing processed and published information on specific topics and guidance on investment and financial opportunities in the country and, of course, improving the existing permanent dialogue between the HBA and institutions of the system in Serbia and Greece.

The new HBA logo essentially represents and announces to the public great support and dynamism in strengthening business relations between the two countries

How would you like to see the HBA advanced in 2023?

- Since the results of the HBA’s work so far are very positive, we believe that the Association will have the honour of celebrating its 30th anniversary together with its members and friends. Looking ahead, we are convinced that the future success of the Association will be determined by its strategic development into a major, respected, dynamic centre of community influence, focusing even more on not just traditional business issues, but on the overall financial health and well-being of the Greek community in Serbia.

Most importantly, a progressive HBA will enjoy a sustainable growth business model and will increase the size and scope of its membership umbrella by soliciting a more diverse membership and will energise the economic pulse of the Greek business community.

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CORPORATE

CHRISTOS ALEXOPOULOS, PHD, DIRECTOR OF THE COLLEGE OF APPLIED HEALTH SCIENCES, ĆUPRIJA

Serbian College, EUROPEAN STANDARDS In the last two years, many aspects of education in Serbia have been established on a solid basis thanks to reforms that have been carried out

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ith the aim of creating a high quality education system like those in highly developed countries, the first Greek who completed Medical Faculty and Doctoral Studies in Serbia and became director of a higher education institution, proves that the Serbian education system can enable a prosperous future.

What is your opinion of education reforms in Serbia?

- We support the efforts of the government and ministries to carry out reforms. We have the same goal, and that is a system comparable to those in developed countries. I invite students from all around the world especially Greece to follow my footsteps and come to Serbia. We expect foreign students to come back, as it used to be 30 years ago, but we also want those who are already here to stay.

CAHS Ćuprija is the first health college to implement the ISO 9001: 2015 standard. What are the benefits?

- The College of Applied Health Sciences Ćuprija is the first medical school to implement the quality management system according to the standard SRPS ISO 9001: 2015. In this way, we will raise the organization of work to a higher level, ensuring continuous improvement of the quality of work in all operational aspects.

Your school has recently received an energy passport. Why is that important?

- In order to fulfil the key requirements of environmental protection regulations while reducing the consumption of energy, whose price is steadily increasing, our College has recognized the importance of a more efficient design of the system of regulation. A “green school” is the future, and we have taken many environmental measures such as reducing the use of resources for heating and the normal work of the school. For example, we have introduced gas heating, replaced regular lights with led panels and improved insulation in all the rooms.

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What is the ECDL Certificate, which you were also awarded?

- In the era of a knowledge-based society, a successful career requires constant improvement and professional development from each individual, primarily in the field of information and communication technologies.

We therefore decided to computerize students and staff according to the highest global standards. ECDL certification programmes guarantee more efficient use of technology and enable an increase in overall productivity, faster achievement of operational goals, and saving money and time. The ECDL certificate is recognizable in more than 150 countries all over the world.

You have received many awards such as Captain Misa Anastasijevic, Car Lazar etc. What do awards mean to you?

- When you do your job seriously and try to do your best, then your acknowledgements are a confirmation that your efforts are recognized and rewarded by the profession. That is always a nice feeling and an additional wind in your sails. I would also like to mention the awards Danube Captain, the Diplomacy and Commerce Magazine award for contributions to the development of education, and certificate for contributing to higher education, awarded by the College of Applied Vocational Studies in Vranje.

What is the advantage of you being Greek in Serbia, and how do you feel here?

- After living more than 20 years in Serbia, I feel at home. Our two countries are separated by a thin line and the people are very close. Greece supports Serbia’s positive initiatives showing it is a trusted friend and there to help, advise, warn and share information related to the EU. My advantage is that I have the understanding for the transition process that happened earlier in Greece, and my experience can be applied to the Serbian education system.

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NIKOS VEROPOULOS, CEO OF VEROPOULOS GROUP

CORPORATE

PRINCIPLED SYMBIOSIS

Of Profit And Ethics “Veropoulos Group will continue to expand with careful steps by opening more stores in North Macedonia and Serbia.”

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he story begins back in 1973 in Peristeri, in the old city cinema that the Veropoulos family rearranged into the town’s first supermarket. After that, another is opened near Athens. The rise of one of the most successful family companies in this part of Europe today is measured by 20 supermarkets and one shopping mall in North Macedonia and Serbia. Establishing a balance between the principles of profitability and ethics, the Veropoulos group comes to Serbia in 2001. With a staff of over 570, the Super Vero chain is now one of the most competitive in our country. In an interview with CORD, Veropoulos Group CEO Nikos Veropoulos analyses the development of its company in Serbia since 2001, when a year before opening the first hypermarket, they bought land in Belgrade as the first foreign retailer to do so.

- We were the first to trust the Serbian market and invest a few million euros. For many others, the Serbian market was considered a high-risk zone and they even avoided visiting the place at that time. Today, the situation is totally different, and Serbia attracts a lot of investors. I am so glad that my instinct was correct and that gave me the opportunity to develop step by step a good brand name by opening and

operating good stores. Our Serbian customers appreciated the quality of our stores, our plentiful assortment, our good prices and service. There have been problems over the years, but we have overcome them simply because we believe in the Serbian market. It is true that we have won the award of the best Serbian supermarket brand three times.

In 2001, many others considered the Serbian market a high-risk zone and they even avoided visiting the place at that time. Today, the situation is totally different, and Serbia attracts a lot of investors

Today you have more than 20 supermarkets in the region. How will the network expand further in Serbia, and what kind of plans do you have for the region?

- We will continue to expand with careful steps by opening more stores in North Macedonia and Serbia. My strategy is not to open many stores but to open good stores. So far, all our stores are successful and profitable.

How would you assess the business climate for entrepreneurship in Serbia, compared to other countries in the region?

- Serbia is a stable country with a growing national income. Competition is intense and there are opportunities only for those who are good enough, who can focus and commit energy and resources to this market. It is a demanding market with demanding customers who know what they want.

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HBA ACTIVITIES, 2018-2019

Cooperation With Chambers And Associations In Serbia INTERNATIONAL NETWORKING RECEPTION

Serbia”. Attendees of the event had the opportunity to gain more information about the topic and to network and connect during the reception that followed.

PRESENTATION: “EU FUNDS FOR PARTICULAR SECTORS”

It was in May 2018 that eleven bilateral business associations first organised the now annual International Networking Reception, with more than two hundred guests, including members of the Hellenic Business Association of Serbia (HBA), the Japanese Business Alliance in Serbia, the German-Serbian, Swiss-Serbian, Italian-Serbian and French-Serbian chambers of commerce, the Croatian and Slovenian business clubs, the Nordic Business Alliance, the Belgian-Serbian and Canadian-Serbian alliances, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps. The International Networking Reception serves as a platform for enhancing business cooperation between members of associations, through the establishing of business contacts and exchanges of experiences and ideas, with the aim of realising potential business cooperation.

The event also supports the further strengthening of cooperation between business associations.

PRESENTATION: “EU FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA”

The HBA, together with the Belgian-Serbian Business Association, the Croatian Business Club and the Nordic Business Alliance, and in cooperation with the EU Delegation to Serbia, conducted a lecture at the ambassadorial residence of Croatian Ambassador to Serbia H.E. Gordan Bakota in October 2018 on the topic “EU funding opportunities in the Republic of Serbia - Support for the improvement of the business and investment climate in the Republic of

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During March this year, in cooperation with the Office of Economic and Commercial Affairs of the Embassy of Greece in Belgrade and the EU Delegation to Serbia, the HBA held a presentation on a more specific topic: “EU Funds for Particular Sectors”. Head of Cooperation, Mr Yngve Engström, and IPF Programme Manager of the EU Delegation to Serbia, Mrs Valentina di Sebastiano, presented all sectors and fields of EU projects and programmes in Serbia, while the innovative topic of the lecture attracted the attention of a large number of participants.

PRESENTATION ON ACTIVE EMPLOYMENT MEASURES

HBA member representatives, together with their colleagues from six other business associations, gathered for a working breakfast organised with the Ana and Vlade Divac Foundation to learn about active employment measures implemented by the National Employment Service and to exchange experiences of using benefits for employers. It was concluded at the meeting, held in April 2019, that it is in the interest of all socially responsible companies to include more people with disabilities in the labour market.

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B2B MEETINGS WITH COMPANIES FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL SECTOR

During this March’s official visit of a delegation of Greek companies operating in the field of energy and the environment, headed by Deputy Environment and Energy Minister Sokrates Famellos, the HBA organised B2B meetings with Serbian companies.

ACQUAINTING MEMBER COMPANIES WITH THE REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PIROT

The HBA, in cooperation with the Regional Chamber of Commerce Pirot, hosted a presentation this April on the Pirot-based chamber’s projects, services, membership privileges and Free Zone Pirot, as well as B2B meetings of member companies. Informal B2B meetings provided attendees with the opportunity to network, exchange information and contacts, as well as to identify possible steps towards future joint cooperation.

ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF THE HBA

The HBA organised for its members and friends the 13th annual event in honour of the traditional breaking of “Vasilopita” - the New Year’s Day cake containing a hidden coin. “Vasilopita Cutting” is the HBA’s first activity every year, which symbolically brings good luck and prosperity to member companies. This year’s ceremony, which was also attended by representatives of the Embassy of Greece in Belgrade, the HBA awarded companies Isomat, TGI Group International and Junior KM Cards in recognition of their 10th anniversary of membership.

STUDENT WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAMME “GREEK INITIATIVE FOR WORK EXPERIENCE”

Under the patronage of the Embassy of Greece in Belgrade, the HBA – in cooperation with the University of Belgrade – organises three-month work placement practise for students at HBA member companies. This independent initiative is being organised for the fifth consecutive year, with the aim of professionally training students, connecting them with the labour market and networking among Greek businesses in Serbia, as well as promoting member companies of the Hellenic Business Association of Serbia. The programme, entitled “Greek Initiative to Work Experience”, is aimed at students in the final year of undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University of Belgrade who want to gain their first work experience and thus improve their chances on the labour market. The programme

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has been traversed by 80 students, who were evaluated with high marks in the quality of practise, while the best in the practise gained employment. Due to great interest and success, this programme runs twice annually, during spring and autumn, for the second year.

Upon completion of the programme, students receive a certificate of completed practise at a special ceremony.

Cooperation With Member Companies

in October 2018. The weekend was attended by HBA members, representatives of the Embassy of Greece in Belgrade and others, all of whom had an opportunity to enjoy a unique weekend and feel the warmth of Greek hospitality, accompanied by relaxation, fun, joy, numerous sporting activities and, of course, original live Greek music.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST ON “TAX AND CUSTOMS ASPECTS OF INWARD PROCESSING”

LECTURE: “TAX SYSTEM IN SERBIA AND THE REGION”

The HBA, in cooperation with member company Eurofast, the German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce (AHK Serbia) and the Chamber of Italian-Serbian Businessmen, organised a lecture on the topic “Tax system in Serbia and the Region” in September 2018.

The presentation was attended by lecturers from Eurofast’s offices in Montenegro, Greece and Cyprus, while its theme attracted interest among many participants.

GREEK FAMILY WEEKEND ON KOPAONIK

In cooperation with HBA member company Hotel Junior, the HBA held the “Greek Family Weekend on Kopaonik“ for the third time

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In November 2018, the HBA – in cooperation with its member company Confida Consulting and with the support of the Commercial Section of the Austrian Embassy, the Belgian-Serbian Business Association, AHK Serbia, the Swiss-Serbian and the Italian-Serbian chambers of commerce, the Slovenian Business Club and the Japanese Business Association – held its annual autumn working breakfast, entitled “Tax and customs aspects of inward processing”.

The breakfast included a presentation and panel discussion among members of the Tax team of Confida Consulting and the Customs Department of Gebrüder Weiss.

“GREEK WEEKEND” IN BELGRADE

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The 3rd Greek Weekend in Belgrade was held successfully in May 2018 on the city’s Republic Square, under the patronage of the Greek Embassy in Belgrade, the Greek National Tourism Organisation (Office in Belgrade), and the Hellenic Business Association in Serbia, with the support of the City of Belgrade, the Tourist Organisation of Belgrade and the Tourist Organisation of Serbia. Organised by HBA member company International Friendship Association, the weekend aimed to present the whole of Greece (Greek enterprises in Serbia, tourism, tradition, music, cuisine etc.), and to also contribute to further strengthening traditionally good relations between Greece and Serbia.

representatives of member companies, friends of the HBA, representatives of the Embassy of Greece and other non-member companies. Attendees had the opportunity to meet and talk in a friendly atmosphere, listen to Greek music and enjoy a beautiful evening.

MEETINGS WITH GREEK OFFICIALS

Networking And Socialising Between Member Companies DINNER FOR SERBIAN REPRESENTATIVES OF MEMBER COMPANIES

The HBA Management Board organised a dinner for Serbian representatives of member companies at Belgrade’s Mezestoran Dvoriste restaurant in May 2018. The event provided an opportunity for the HBA Management Board to further discuss and exchange views with Serbian representatives on improving cooperation between the association and member companies.

Over the course of the last year, the HBA has been realising a large number of meetings aimed at exchanging opinions on the economic and business cooperation that frames relations between Greece and Serbia. The HBA had the honour and pleasure of meeting with Greek officials and discussing all the important issues of Greek entrepreneurship in Serbia. Among others, the HBA met with the President of the New Democracy Party, Mr Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greek Minister of Environment and Energy, Georgios Stathakis, Member of Parliament and head of Foreign Affairs at the New Democracy Party, Georgios Koumoutsakos, Vice President of the Central Chamber of Commerce and President of the Chamber of Industries in Athens, Pavlos Ravanis, as well as representatives of the Greek-Serbian Chamber of Commerce of Northern Greece etc.

DONATIONS

SUMMER GATHERING

As is the case every year, two days prior to the official start of summer, in June 2018, the HBA held a gathering that was attended by

The Greek School in Belgrade, where pre-school and school-age children can learn the Greek language, is a self-financing organisation that holds various events with Greek characteristics. Since the HBA welcomes any initiative aimed at promoting Greek culture and tradition, the management board launched an initiative to support the work of this school. On the basis of this initiative, the HBA provided an alternative space for conducting lessons and procured part of the essential equipment for the school, which can now hold its classes freely and has a growing number of students.

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SOCIAL LIFE

LOUD And Proud In the hot summers, social life in Greece tends to be outdoors. In small towns and villages the tradition of the volta continues, when at sundown much of the population strolls up and down the main street or, on the islands, along the shore

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n summer and winter much leisure time is passed in the numerous cafés and coffee shops, both of which have been traditionally a male preserve. It is also not uncommon to find in a single village one coffee shop where the adherents of a particular political party congregate. Television, the Internet, and forms of video entertainment have to some extent undermined these traditional leisure patterns.

Greek cuisine, particularly such sweets as baklava and kataifi, reflects the centuries of Turkish rule. The food in Thessaloníki—in northern Greece and part of the Ottoman Empire until 1912—in particular still reflects a strong Ottoman influence and is a testimony to the massive influx of refugees from Asia Minor in the 1920s. The traditional, healthy diet of Greek peasants in general was based on vegetables, fruit, olives, olive oil, cheese, bread, and seafood, meat being a luxury eaten only on special occasions. With

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the country’s growing affluence, meat has come to assume a more important place in the Greek diet, “fast foods” have taken hold in the cities, and the incidence of heart disease has risen accordingly.

Greek society is noted for its strong family structure and a low crime rate. The extended family, and the obligation placed on family members to provide mutual support, is of the utmost importance. The centrality of the family has been little affected by the rise of the middle class that has been a feature of the development of Greek society since the end of World War II. During the 1980s important changes were introduced in Greek family law.

Civil marriage was instituted in parallel with religious marriage, the dowry system was abolished (though marriages are still sometimes seen to some degree as economic alliances in theory), divorce was made easier, and the

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and sculptors include Nicolas Ghika, Yannis Tsarouchis, Yannis hitherto dominant position of the father in the family was Moralis, Spyros Vassiliou, and Photis Kontoglou. restricted. The great majority of the country’s businesses Internationally known Greek contributors to theatre and remain small, family-run enterprises. This is especially film include Karolos Koun, Melina Mercouri, Costa-Gavras, and true of shipping, in which tightly knit clans of families Theo Angelopoulos. The traditional shadow puppet theatre, dominate the industry. The family structure of industry Karaghiozis, is now largely extinct, having been displaced by acts as an impediment to modernization. The wheels of television and other leisure pursuits. There is, however, a lively society continue to be lubricated by mesa (connections) Athenian theatrical tradition and rouspheti (the reciprocal in which political satire plays dispensation of favours). an important part.

The main holiday periods Perhaps most signifirevolve around Easter and the Feast of Dormition (Ascant of all is the enormous influence of ancient Greek sumption) of the Virgin in midart (see Western sculpture; August. Easter is the most Western architecture; Westimportant religious and family festival, with many people ern painting, Greek pottery) returning to their native viland Greek mythology on later Western art and literature. lages for the traditional fesOf countless examples that tivities, which include the vigil can be offered, a few should in church on Saturday evening, suffice to demonstrate the the lighting of the Holy Fire reach of what is known as at midnight on Easter mornGreek civilization. Such Greek ing, and the roasting of whole statuary as the kore and the lambs on spits for the Easter kouros—themselves reflectmeal. August is the traditional vacation month. ing an interaction with other The arts cultures (particularly that of Against the background Egypt)—and later developODYSSEUS ELYTIS of this extraordinary cultural ments represented by such heritage, Greece enjoys a works as the Louvre’s Winged Two Greek poets have won Victory of Samothrace provide a major thriving artistic life. Greece has made its greatest contributions in the field the Nobel Prize for Literature: chapter in the art history of Europe of literature (see Greek literature). and North America. In architecture, George Seferis in 1963 and the Greek temple remains a classic Constantine Cavafy, an ethnic Greek who lived most of his life in Alexandria, form. Ancient Greek tragedies (such as Odysseus Elytis in 1979 Egypt, is frequently ranked among the Euripides’ Medea) and comedies (such great poets of the early 20th century. His work is suffused as Aristophanes’ Lysistrata) were presented in various styles with an ironic nostalgia for Greece’s past glories. Two Greek into the 21st century. One of the classic Greek tragedies— poets have won the Nobel Prize for Literature: George Seferis the fated marriage of Oedipus to his own mother, Jocasta, in 1963 and Odysseus Elytis in 1979. The novelist best known detailed in Sophocles’ Oedipus cycle—formed a keystone of outside Greece is the Cretan Níkos Kazantzákis, whose Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory. Another resonant Zorba the Greek (1946) was made into a popular film (1964). tale, Homer’s Odyssey (8th or 9th century BCE), was the Other 20th-century Greek writers include Kostís Palamás, basis of Irishman James Joyce’s 20th-century masterwork Angelos Sikelianós, Kostas Varnalis, Pandelís Prevelákis, Ulysses. A moment’s reflection can call to mind an abundance Strátis Myrivílis, Yannis Ritsos, Nikephoros Vrettakos, and of paradigms.

Nikos Gatsos. More-contemporary writers and poets include There are estimated seven million Greeks scattered Dimitris Lyacos, Nina Rapi, Eleni Vakalo, Ersi Sotiropoulos, around the globe who have never been so united when it took and Miltos Sachtouris. the emotional bonds of sport which pull them together. Like A number of Greek composers have acquired an inthe Jews and the Irish, the influence of the Greeks spreads way beyond their homeland. Anywhere you go in the world ternational reputation, including Nikos Skalkottas, Manos you will find a Greek.

Hadjidakis, and Mikis Theodorakis, and the country has also They enjoy being noticed by others. One thing Greeks given the world of music such notables as Dimitri Mitropoulos cannot tolerate is being ignored, Maria Callas, and Gina Bachauer. Well-known Greek painters 31

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ECONOMY

BEGINNING

Of A New Era

Greece has substantially improved its budget balance and current account balance in recent years. However, potential growth has suffered, and large accumulated imbalances remain as a legacy of the economic crisis

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hese concern the high public debt, the negative net international investment position, the high non-performing loans on banks’ balance sheets and the still high unemployment rate. In addition, deep institutional and structural reforms initiated in recent years to modernise the economy and the State, require many years of sustained implementation for their impact to fully unfold.

Potential growth remains low, burdened by the loss of physi-

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cal and human capital due to the low investment rate and the emigration of skilled workers in the past decade. Unfavourable demographic trends are expected to continue affecting Greece’s growth potential. Structural reforms are starting to bear fruit, and their continuation and completion will be essential for unlocking growth potential.

The Greek economy continued to recover in 2018, in terms of both growth and employment. Real GDP growth is projected to gather pace in 2019 and 2020. Investment is set to become the biggest contributor to GDP growth while the contribution of net exports is expected to stall as domestic demand strongly relies on imports.

Labour market conditions are expected to continue to gradually improve. Following substantial improvements in cost competitiveness over the past decade, wage rises are expected to remain moderate and aligned with productivity growth. Investment as a share of GDP bottomed out in 2015 and is slowly increasing; but at less than 13% in 2018, it was still the lowest in the EU. There have been substantial reforms to improve the business climate and to unlock private investment.

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While reforms are expected to bear fruit, they need to continue for a long-lasting improvement of the investment environment.

Greece has successfully restored its budget balance and is expected to maintain it over the next years. The headline balance has been in surplus since 2016 and the primary balance (i.e. the overall balance excluding interest payments) target was exceeded for the fourth consecutive year in 2018. The 2019 budget is projected to ensure that the primary surplus target of 3.5 % of GDP in 2019 is met. In the coming years, any fiscal space emerging above the target should provide an opportunity to adopt reforms to make public finances more growth friendly, such as measures already legislated for 2020 to widen tax bases while lowering tax rates on companies and labor.

The gap between peripheral regions and Athens has not been bridged and the average Greek region has only 60 % of the capital’s GDP per capita.

Employment, poverty and social exclusion also have large regional variations. Several years of underinvestment have led to major investment gaps in Greece. Strengthening investment will be instrumental in underpinning longer-term growth. Priority areas for public and private sector investment include transport and logistics; the sustainable regeneration of urban areas and the most disadvantaged and deprived areas; energy efficiency and infrastructures; environmental protection; digital technologies; employment, skills, education and training, social inclusion and integration, health and research and development, mainly through the development of smart specialisation strategies in sectors such as agro-food and tourism.

Although Greece did not receive country specific recommendations in 2018, it committed to continue and complete all key reforms adopted under the European Stability Mechanism programme, and it made wellspecified commitments to European partners in June 2018. Commitments concern the areas of (I) fiscal and fiscal structural reforms; (ii) social welfare reforms; (iii) financial stability; (iv) labour and product market reforms; (v) State asset management and privatisation; and (vi) reforms of the public administration and justice.

On the national targets under the Europe 2020 strategy, Greece is performing well on reducing the rate of early school leavers, increasing tertiary education attainment and reducing greenhouse emissions. It is on track to reach its targets on research and development, the use of renewable energy resources and energy efficiency. By contrast, the employment rate and the poverty reduction fall short of the target.

Greece faces challenges for most indicators of the Social Scoreboard supporting the European Pillar of Social Rights. The rate of unemployment is among the highest in the EU, although there are signs of improvement. The effectiveness and adequacy of social transfers remains a concern, but recent reforms in the social welfare system are expected to improve the situation.

Measures have been adopted in recent years to improve the quality of social dialogue, but there is still a need to ensure that social partners are properly involved in national policymaking.

The main findings of the in-depth review contained in this

report and the related policy challenges are as follows: Reducing accumulated imbalances will require many years of sustained implementation of deep institutional and structural reforms initiated in recent years to modernise the economy and the State, as well as many years of sustained growth. This should also reduce Greece’s vulnerability to international developments and increase market confidence. Although significant measures were adopted at the Eurogroup of June 2018 to ensure debt sustainability, interest rate spreads have remained high.

This reflects market concerns about the commitment of policy makers in Greece to stick to sound economic and budgetary policies over the medium and long term.

High interest rate spreads impede bank lending to nonfinancial businesses, which would be critical to support an investment-led recovery. The stock of government debt remains exceptionally high, but the debt measures adopted in 2017 and agreed in June 2018 ensure that the annual debt burden remains at a manageable level. The debt stock stood at over 180 % of GDP at the end of 2018. Given the highly concessional terms of the debt, gross financing needs are projected to remain below 15 % of GDP until the mid-2030s thus limiting the risks to debt servicing. Positive assessments of reform implementation under the enhanced surveillance framework will serve as a basis for Greece’s European partners to agree on the implementation of additional debt measures worth about 0.7 % of GDP per year.

Private debt stocks remain contained, although the fundamentals of the economy suggest that the debt capacity of both households and nonfinancial companies in Greece is particularly low.

Ensuring the sustainability of government debt in the medium and long term will require maintaining fiscal discipline and continuing and completing the fiscal structural reforms initiated in recent years.

Furthermore, it will include modernisation of the property tax system and usage of emerging fiscal space to shift towards a more growth-friendly tax structure, and further improving tax collection, by enhanced operational independence of the tax authority. Finally, it will address arrears, further improvement of public financial management, and continuation of improving the management of State assets.

Wide-ranging policy measures to ensure financial stability and strengthen the viability of the banking system have helped to stabilise the financial sector. Capital buffers have increased, deposits have stabilised and reliance on central bank funding has decreased. Yet, banks’ profitability remains low. Banks’ balance sheets remain burdened by very high share of nonperforming loans and tackling those remains the most important challenge facing the financial sector in the near and medium term.

The governance of the banking system has improved following an overhaul of the boards of banks. Reforms of wage negotiations and of other labour market institutions have helped Greece to regain cost competitiveness, and maintaining these gains will be critical to help increase employment and reduce unemployment.

The government has increased the minimum wage by 10.9 % as from 1 February 2019. In parallel, the sub-minimum wage for

The Greek economy continued to recover in 2018, in terms of both growth and employment.

Real GDP growth is projected to gather pace in 2019 and 2020

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people under 25 years old has been eliminated, leading to a 27 % increase in the minimum wage for this age group. This increase in the minimum wage leads in the medium term to higher risk of negative employment effects, especially on low-skilled, young workers and workers with a long tenure.

Looking ahead, social partners will play a critical role, in the context of collective bargaining, in ensuring that wage formation takes due account of the need to protect competitiveness gains and has adequate scope to cater for the specific situation of firms, many of which remain in a distressed financial situation.

Other key structural issues analysed in this report, which point to particular challenges for Greece’s economy, are the following: Despite recent improvements, youth unemployment and long-term unemployment are still a serious concern. Women’s labour market participation also lags far behind the EU average. To address these issues, the government has started to implement policies to improve employability and promoting labour market participation. In parallel, the government is continuing its fight against undeclared work.

Putting in place a comprehensive strategy to improve the efficiency of the education and training system will be critical for reducing skill mismatches and increasing employability, especially that of younger people.

Although still difficult, the social situation is expected to continue to improve in the coming years, thanks to the combined effect of the economic recovery and the social welfare reform. Major steps have been taken to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and adequacy of the social welfare system: the introduction of a guaranteed minimum income scheme, the reform of family benefits and an upcoming new meanstested housing benefit.

The completion of the reform of the disability benefit system and the review of the system of subsidies for local public transport could further improve the efficiency of the welfare system.

The significant under-execution of the public investment budget has been a problem for several years. This is due to structural shortcomings in developing projects of investment grade as well as suboptimal budgeting practices. An independent review of the investment budgeting framework will recommend measures to tackle the shortcomings.

Following years of pronounced contraction, bank lending to the private sector continues to be very subdued, though there are slight signs of improvement for large companies. Access to finance remains extremely limited, affecting not only small and medium-size enterprises but also start-ups and scale-ups, 34

causing liquidity problems and constraining investments.

Continuing the structural reforms in the product markets will be essential for improving the business climate and attracting investment. Despite broad-based reforms to reduce the administrative burden, increase competition, simplify investment licensing procedures, alleviate disproportionate restrictions to regulated professions, set up a cadastre and improve spatial planning, Greece continues to lag behind EU and global best practices. The authorities are putting in place the remaining steps of the investment licensing reform and setting up the comprehensive property and land register. Full and smooth implementation of the privatisation plan is expected to attract investors.

Reforms of network industries such as energy and transport should reduce costs for customers and lead to improvements in infrastructure. The energy market remains characterised by a concentrated structure, relatively high wholesale prices and a reliance on fossil fuels. The transport system is largely roadbased, dependent on oilbased transport and is characterised by low productivity. The digital transformation of the economy and society remains challenging, with low access to high-speed broadband networks and digital skills well below the EU average.

Weak coordination and low administrative capacity in the public administration remain important bottlenecks, which also hamper business and investment. The national strategy for administrative reform aims to increase the administration’s efficiency through improved processes for managerial appointments and modern human resource practices. The reforms need to be fully implemented and any shortcomings on the appointments of senior managers properly addressed. Greece has updated its national anti-corruption action plan. Thanks to recent reforms, and with the exception of a slight decrease in 2018, Greece has steadily improved its scoring in the Corruption Perception Index over the past years.

The Greek judicial system still faces inefficiencies and reforms in this area are critical to the smooth functioning of the financial system and to unlocking investment potential. Despite recent improvements, the time to reach a decision is often too long and backlogs will require further targeted action. Ongoing reforms aim at reducing the backlog of household insolvency cases and implementing a three-year action plan, which features the creation of an electronic justice system.

Source: European Commission: Country Report Greece 2019

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GREEK LANGUAGE

How Has Greek Influenced

THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE According to one estimate, more than 150,000 words of English are derived from Greek words. British Council teachers in Greece, Martha Peraki and Catherine Vougiouklaki, explain why English owes so much to the Greek language

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ntique, idol, dialogue, geography, grammar, architect, economy, encyclopaedia, telephone, microscope... all these common English words have something in common: they’re derived from Greek. To this list, we could add thousands more words, some common and others less so.

Clearly, the Greek language has had an important influence on the English language. Let’s take a closer look.

Greek is one of the oldest Indo-European languages and is usually divided into Ancient Greek (often thought of as a dead language) and Modern Greek.

Modern Greek is derived from Koine, a common dialect of Ancient Greek that was understood throughout the Greek-speaking world at that time. In the 19th century, Modern Greek became the official language of the Kingdom of Greece. According to Peter T. Daniels, the Ancient Greeks were the first to use a ‘true’ alphabet, that is, one representing both vowels and consonants.

Indeed, the word ‘alphabet’ is formed of the first two letters of the Greek alphabet, ‘alpha’ and ‘beta’.

WHAT ENGLISH OWES TO THE GREEK LANGUAGE The Oxford Companion to the English Language states that the ‘influence of classical Greek on English has been largely indirect, through Latin and French, and largely lexical and conceptual...’.

According to one estimate, more than 150,000 words of English are derived from Greek words. These include technical and scientific terms but also more common words like those above.

Words that starts with ‘ph-’ are usually of Greek origin, for example: philosophy, physical, photo, phrase, philanthropy.

Many English words are formed of parts of words (morphemes) that originate from the Greek language, including the following examples:

• phobia (fear of), as in arachnophobia – the fear of spiders • micro (small), as in microscopic – so small it’s hard to see • demos (people) as in democracy – government by the people A great example of the influence of the Greek language are the two speeches written in English but actually consisting of only Greek words (with the exception of articles and prepositions) by the former Prime Minister Prof. Xenophon Zolotas, who was also an economist.

Greek mythology has been very influential in Western culture, particularly its art and literature. Unsurprisingly, some common expressions in English derive from these ancient myths and beliefs.

To have an ‘Achilles heel’ means to have a weakness or vulnerable point. Achilles was a Greek hero and central character in Homer’s epic poem, The Iliad. He was only vulnerable at his heel. Example sentence: I’m trying to eat more healthily, but chocolate is my Achilles heel.

The ‘Midas touch’ is another common expression deriving from Greek mythology. Describing a near-magical ability to succeed at anything one undertakes, the expression originates from a story of King Midas, who is remembered for his ability to turn everything he touched into gold. Example sentence: My brother’s business is so successful, he really has the Midas touch!

An idiom which has its roots in Greek antiquity is ‘crocodile tears’. The phrase is thought to come from the popular ancient belief that crocodiles weep while eating their victims. In fact, crocodiles do lubricate their eyes via their tear ducts, usually when their eyes start to dry out after being out of the water for a long time. Nevertheless, the behaviour is also thought to occur when crocodiles feed. It’s used in English to describe expressions of sorrow that are insincere. Example sentence: The president shed crocodile tears while allowing the war to go on.

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CONTEMPORARY ART

GRAFFITI IN ATHENS CITY CENTER, BY WD

Street Art

To Discover In Athens

In a country where public space belongs to no one, creative street artists have taken their art to the streets of Athens, covering the blank, concrete buildings with their visions. According to The New York Times, the city is a ‘contemporary mecca for street art in Europe,’ and it’s enjoying a new burst of creative energy thanks to the euro crisis.

Discover some of the most vibrant street art in the Greek capital

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he colorful artwork on the walls of ILPAP, the bus depot near the Kerameikos archaeological area, was made by Brazilian street artists Os Gemeos.

Their style is very distinctive and involves yellowskinned characters.

Another iconic piece of street art you can find in the

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main square in Psyrri is from Alexandros Vasmoulakis, who mixes collage, photography, paint, and digital media.

Woozy, aka Vaggelis Hoursoglou, along with Vasmoulakis, is a pioneer of street art in Athens. His particular style can be found not only throughout the city but also abroad in London and even China.

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WORK BY BILLY GEE, ALEX MARTINEZ & N GRAMS

STREET ART BY ALEXANDROS VASMOULAKIS IN PSYRRI, ATHENS

and decaying were once visible, as seen below in the Another artist with a unique, minimalist style is Kez. mural by WD. You can find some of his work in Athens as well as in Volos This portrait of a dog is not random. Loukanikos was and Preveza. also known as the Riot Dog as he was Filling the streets of the city with present at all the riots that happened in an iconic, melancholic female figure, Just like anywhere else, Athens, especially during the onset of Sonke is another local street artist street art in Athens is also the crisis. Loukanikos quickly became whose work you will encounter virtually everywhere in Athens. a means of communication, the symbol of Greek resistance against austerity measures.

The colorful work can be found with graffiti artists using it the IFM-prompted Various organizations have set up in Exarcheia, one of the most vibrant as a way to express their Street Art Tours around the central areas when it comes to street art.

Just like anywhere else, street art opinions, whether political, neighborhoods, namely Metarxourgeio, Psyrri, Gazi, and Exarcheia, where is also a means of communication, with social, or not the art form is blooming. graffiti artists using it as a way to exBut you don’t need a guided tour to press their opinions, whether political, admire the amazing artwork readily available. And just like social, or not. The work was created by Barcelona-based street artist INO once said in a New York Times interview, Jupiterfab, known for his social work projects. ‘if you want to learn about a city, look at its walls.’

Street art has managed to put colors where the gray

NO LAND FOR THE POOR BY WD

EXARCHIA, ATHENS - AWESOME GRAFFITIS 37

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THE INCREDIBLE BLUE CAVES OF GREECE

Blue In Blue 38

LAKE IN MELISSANI CAVE

Greece is a country teeming with beauty.

Its key feature though is the endless summer, the blue sky and the blue sea.

Each year people flock to Greece’s exquisite beaches, both on the islands and the mainland coast, seeking the life-giving sun and the crystal clear blue sea

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PAPANIKOLIS CAVE

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s Greece is a country with rich geological structure and evolution, thousands of subterranean and underwater caves have been formed both in the mainland and the islands. Systematic explorations by geologists and speleologists all around the country have brought to light more than 8,500 caves, many of which are still unexplored.

The large number of caves in Greece is because of the huge quantities of limestone covering about 65% of the surface. Greece has a plethora of natural wonders, and the country’s famous blue caves are no exception. These are the best places where sun, sea and earth combine to create a blue wondrous spectacle.

MELISSANI LAKE CAVE - KEFALONIA The legend behind Melissani lake cave in Kefalonia says that it was named after a heartbroken nymph, Melissani, who took her own life when spurned by the god Pan. It lies 2 km outside Sami, and regularly features on lists of the most beautiful natural attractions in the world.

To reach the lake, visitors descend through an underground passage; it is after this that the fun really begins. A boat ride takes you to the center of the cave, which was originally composed of two chambers. The roof collapsed thousands of years ago following an earthquake, creating a natural window through which sunlight floods in and paints the waters with an array of blue tones.

BLUE GROTTO - KASTELLORIZO

It’s a miraculous sight – made even more magical by the tranquility of gliding across the lake in the little oar-powered boats. No sounds of engines to disturb your peace here; it’s just you and the splash of oars against water.

The cave itself was discovered in 1951 and its stunning stalactites have been estimated to date back to over 20,000 years. At the center of the lake a little island emerges, where evidence of worship of the god Pan was uncovered in previous decades.

What sets this (lake) cave apart from sea caves is that it benefits from a contrast: there is the crystal blue water below, and lush greenery growing at its summit, which is a breathtaking, visual delight. Visit between 11 am – 1pm for the full effect of the light playing on water.

PAPANIKOLIS CAVE - LEFKADA Lefkada is famous for its turquoise waters and its white sandy beaches, which get their color thanks to the island’s abundance in limestone. These limestone rocks in turn have given way to many caves dotting the island’s shores.

The little island of Meganisi, located just 12 nautical miles to the east of Lefkada, is home to Papanikolis cave. This beautiful cave takes its name from a submarine that was hidden there during World War II. The cave provided shelter to boats of all sizes during bad weather, as well as to locals hiding from pirates and other marauders.

Today, it’s simply a beautiful place to visit.

The large number of caves in Greece is because of the huge quantities of limestone covering about 65% of the surface

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BLUE CAVES - ZAKYNTHOS

Its sheer size is impressive. It is the second largest sea cave in Greece, and it measures 120 meters in length and 60 meters in width. Inside, you’ll be treated to the dazzling sight of sunlight dancing and bouncing off the crystal clear waters, which cast their mesmerizing blues all over the cave walls and stalactites.

For those unable to resist plunging into the waters: you’ll be rewarded for braving the cold by a rest on the little sandy beach at the far end of the cave.

BLUE GROTTO - KASTELLORIZO The blue cave of Kastellorizo is the island’s most famous attractions, and undisputedly one of the most stunning blue caves in Greece. The inside is 75 meters long, 40 meters wide and 35 meters high, but from the outside you almost can’t see it at all.

Reaching it is a little tricky ‒ the entrance is a meter or so high, so you need a small boat, calm seas and steady nerves.

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But it’s worth it. Inside, the sunlight is refracted through the water, scattering the light and turning the sea into a pool of vibrant turquoise blue so beautiful that visitors have described it as overwhelming.

The best time to visit is in the morning, when the sun is low and the full glory of its interaction with the water can be appreciated. It’s no wonder that Tripadvisor lists a visit to the Blue Grotto as the number one thing to do on the island.

BLUE CAVES - ZAKYNTHOS One of the best-known sights of the island, located in the north, these are not caves in the strict sense of the term, but rather the remnants of caves worn away by the water, leaving behind natural limestone formations. It was discovered in 1897 by Antonio Komouto, and since then visitors have been flocking to see it.

The highlight of any visit is when the captain gently guides the boat right through the white arches, pausing to allow

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KERI CAVES

visitors to appreciate not just the blue waters, but the way they taint the limestone in their colors, painting everything around them in a stunning, ethereal blue (including you!). To get the full effect, visit between morning and noon.

BLUE CAVES - ALONNISOS The coastline of Alonnisos is wild and rocky, featuring many little caves and formations. Located near the island’s marine park at the northeast, between the beaches of Strovili and Lalarias, lies the most famous cave: the Blue Cave.

It is a white triangular limestone cave, framing the dazzling blue waters, the colors of which shift into an endless spectrum of shades as the sun moves across the sky. Pause for a swim and enjoy waters so clear you can see right to the bottom.

One of the biggest advantages, not just of this enchanting little cave but of Alonnisos in general, is that it remains a relatively unknown destination for tourists. This means that

BLUE CAVES - ALONNISOS

–unlike the case for most other blue caves in Greece – you’re likely able to appreciate it in the company of very few visitors.

KERI CAVES Grotto Keri (Keri Caves) are often also called Marathia Grottos, because they are located on the southern and south-western part of the Keri peninsula near the village of Marathia. Caves are inaccessible from the seashore and are closed in the cliffs, which can be accessed from the sea.

Excursions to the caves are organized mainly from towns located in the southern part of the island (Laganas, Agios Sostis, Limni Keriou).

Keri caves are smaller than the Blue Grotto on the north of the island, but they have pros - they are closer (no need to travel to the northean villages to get to the caves), have significantly fewer ships swimming there and the caves and cliffs in which they are located are beautiful (Headland Keri is one of the highest cliffs on the Island of Zakynthos).

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DESIGN

Beautiful Greek

Taverna Chair America has fast food chains. Greece has tavernas. While both offer inexpensive food (or, in the case of fast food chains, food-like substances), their operational philosophy could not be more different

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his difference is epitomized by their respective seating. The fast food chair is uncomfortable; it is designed to be that way. The seat is hard plastic.

This guarantees you’ll scarf down your meal and get out. The chair is bolted to the floor. This ensures that social interaction is kept to a minimum – no pulling up a chair to join a larger group.

By contrast, the classic Greek taverna chair is made for comfort. Its rush seat is soft. The back slats provide support as well as ventilation. The braces at the base lend stability (and a place to prop your feet) – stability for leaning in to participate in conversation or to help oneself to a meze in the center of the table. Plus it is light; chose your table and sit on down.

Greek people can spend hours at the taverna, eating their meals, drinking their ouzo, reading their paper and talking with friends. In a popular tavernas, there is at least one card game going at any time. If you prefer tavli (backgammon) you can usually find a set or two behind the bar.

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Tavernas were just as popular in ancient Greece as they are in Greece today. Back then they were called kapeleion.

Commenting on the ubiquity of tavernas in Grece and alluding to the militant Spartans, whose citizens were fed from common messes, Diogenes the Cynic said “tavernas are the canteens of Attica”. Tavernas were a regular feature in the comedies of Aristophanes with their staff being a frequent target of his jokes.

Unfortunately, no example of an ancient taverna chair survives.

Today Athanasopoulos familiy continues the craft of wickerwork in the traditional way. Their core business is to build and repair the wooden greek tavern chair.

On the narrow sidewalk on the corner of Lepeniotou and Leokoriou Street you can find a collection of handmade wooden chairs. Next to the shop entrance a steep staircase leads down to the workshop of Yannis Athanasopoulos. A friendly voice is calling us: “ela mesa” – come in! A middle aged man, tanned

YANNIS ATHANASOPOULOS

Greek people can spend hours at the taverna, eating their meals, drinking their ouzo, reading their paper and talking with friends. In a popular tavernas, there is at least one card game going at any time. If you prefer tavli (backgammon) you can usually find a set or two behind the bar and of impressive built, introduces himself as Yannis. He is seated on a stool, holding a chair frame between his strong thighs. With meditative calm he is weaving the dry reed row by row into the wooden frame, creating a solid seat. Two naked fluorescent tubes bath the crammed basement in sallow light.

The space is at the same time workshop and storage – piles of broken chairs, furniture, lamps and all kinds of antiquities everywhere. With a sweeping gesture Yannis tells us: “This is my next order, these are all chairs from a kafenion.” The owner of the kafenion is a loyal customer; time and again he is taking his broken chairs to Yannis for repair. In one corner materials like wood and reed are neatly arranged. The smell of dried grass and mouldy walls blends with sweat of hard work.

Yannis learned the craft from his mother Katerina. In 1965 she came with her parents from the region of Macedonia to settle in Athens and establish a business of wickerwork.

Katharina, a courageous woman, proudly says „with my grandson, Konstantinos, we are passing the knowledge to our fourth generation“. The family business – mother, son and grandson – is specialised in the weaving of chairs as well as mending old ones and other furniture, including the ordinary Greek tavern chair but also chairs with delicate Viennese netting.

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