InFocus France

France 2018

A RENEWED PARTNERSHIP H.E. CORINNE MEUNIER

French Ambassador to Croatia

BERTRAND LE TALLEC

Economic counsellor, French Embassy

ANDREA PETRIĆ

HGK International and EU Affairs Division

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BRIDGE OF MILLAU A beautiful work of engineering, a leap in the XXI Century.

01 THE HIGHEST PEAKS Europe’s highest mountain is in the French Alps – Mont Blanc, at 4,810m, takes an arduous 10 to 12 hours to climb to the top.

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PEACE MESSAGE

250 young people from 80 countries are realese white doves (Place de la Concorde, Paris).

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FOOD FOR EVERYONE

France was the first country in the world to ban supermarkets from throwing away or destroying unsold food! They donate to charities!

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BIGGER, BETTER, STRONGER

France is the Largest country in the EU, with an area of 551,000sq km! That’s almost a 5th of the EU total area, due to its six sided shape!

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BON VOYAGE

France is the World’s most Popular Tourist Destination, with 83.7 million visitors per year, making it the world’s most visited country.

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DON’T MISS THE TRAIN!

Paris Gare du Nord is Europe's busiest railway station! By far, around 190 million passengers pass through each year!

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MARSEILLE The Mediterranean connection between Croatia and France.

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France

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A RENEWED PARTNERSHIP

H.E. CORINNE MEUNIER French Ambassador to Croatia

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FRENCH INVESTORS HAVE A GREAT INTEREST IN CROATIA

BERTRAND LE TALLEC

Economic counsellor, French Embassy

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ENHANCING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

ANDREA PETRIĆ

Senior Associate in the HGK's International and EU Affairs Division, in charge of bilateral and multilateral cooperation with European countrie

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MANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION

VIŠNJA JEŽIĆ SORIĆ

President of the Franco-Croatian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

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FACILITATING COOPERATION

The Franco-Croatian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

20 ON THE RISE 24 LOUVRE 2.0 Economy

Economic cooperation

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CONNECTING PEOPLE THROUGH CULTURE

GUILLAUME COLIN

Director of the French Institute in Croatia and Counsellor for cultural affairs and cooperation at the French Embassy in Zagreb

32 THE SPIRIT OF GAULS 34 IS A PHOENIX THE CHAMPION OF 36 POPULARITY LOVED BY EVERYONE Tradition

Culture

Tourism

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INTERVIEW

H.E. CORINNE MEUNIER French Ambassador to Croatia

A RENEWED PARTNERSHIP

A recently signed bilateral Strategic Partnership Agreement for the years 2018-2021 confirms the strong ties between France and Croatia. France supports Croatia in its efforts in the process of joining the Schengen area, the EMU and the OECD 6

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n 2016, for the first time in the history of France, two diplomats - Corinne Meunier and Philippe Meunier, the French ambassadors to Croatia - were sent to one country. We spoke with H.E. Meunier about the French-Croatian relations, and how they were bolstered by this new experience.

2000, under the French Presidency of the EU. Since then, we have cooperated with Croatia in many fields. The preparation of the Croatian Presidency of the EU, which takes place in 2020, creates new opportunities for further cooperation, keeping in mind the European-Balkan Summit promoted by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.

to our citizens and to bring the European structures closer to their concerns. In this regard, our Minister for European Affairs, Nathalie Loiseau was very pleased to participate, alongside State Secretary Andreja Metelko-Zgombić, in the first citizens’ dialogue in Europe which took place at the University of Zagreb, on April 6th.

How would you the first two years of this experiment?

— This innovative move is considered to be a success by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. Since gender equality is one of the priorities of the French diplomacy, this demonstrates that we practice what we preach. Furthermore, it is a way to modernize the image and the functioning of diplomacy. Our team in Croatia has been fantastic in devising with us this new way of working together.

We do appreciate the great openness of the Croatian authorities at all levels, in Zagreb and throughout the country.

Nothing could have been achieved without their support from the very beginning.

We are most grateful to Madam President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović to have agreed to accepting our credentials together.

What actually constitutes Europe which Croatia joined five years ago? In which way is Europe changing and what role does France play in these changes?

Since the accession to the European Union, the governments of Croatia and France have stepped up the dialogue on important European and international issues. What are the topics of today's bilateral meetings of two countries and joint action?

— In April this year, we signed a new bilateral Strategic Partnership Agreement for the years 2018-2021, with three priorities: enhancing our European partnership, particularly in view of the next Croatian and French EU presidencies, in 2020 and in 2022 respectively, strengthening our mutual trade, and fostering human and cultural exchanges, with a view of enhancing our common belonging to the Mediterranean rim.

With this tool we plan to foster exchanges of expertise in the fields such as tourism, which is common to both our economies, implementation of the European Structural Funds or academic particularly between the University of Split and Aix-Marseille. This Agreement also provides for a dialogue and support for Croatia's efforts in the process of joining the Schengen area, the EMU and the OECD.

France provided special support to Croatia during the accession to the European Union. To what degree is Croatia, as the youngest EU member, integrated into Europe today in political, economic and cultural terms as a result of this support?

— Indeed, and thank you for reminding me of that, France has played an important role in supporting your EU membership, notably in the aftermath of the first European-Balkan Summit in Zagreb, in

THE GROWTH OF OUR BILATERAL TRADE, SINCE CROATIA'S ACCESSION TO THE EU IN 2013, IS IMPRESSIVE, REACHING ALMOST 1 BILLION EURO — The EU is facing existential challenges like migration, a changing security environment, competitiveness and innovation, digital revolution, climate change and so on. European cooperation is the only appropriate answer to these challenges.

Since his election, President Macron has worked towards building a common vision on the steps we should make in order to move forward. He has underlined the need to have a sovereign, united, and democratic Europe. This message is heard, especially here in Croatia. For instance, as regards democracy, France has proposed the idea of citizens’ consultations in every Member State in order to give the platform

How would you evaluate the bilateral cooperation between the two countries?

What are you focusing on today with the view of establishing an even deeper co-operation between the two countries?

OPPORTUNITIES

THE PREPARATION OF THE CROATIAN EU PRESIDENCY IN 2020 CREATES NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER COOPERATION FRANCE 2018

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— Our cooperation is very active and diverse and it takes place at many different levels. Let me give you a few examples to illustrate this diversity. We have regular contacts at ministerial level, recently with the visit of the Science and Education Minister, Professor Blaženka Divjak on the occasion of the ministerial conference of the European Higher Education Area, in Paris, May 23th, the visit of the State Secretary for Sports, Janica Kostelić, in Paris, May 31st, or the visit of the French Minister for European Affairs, Nathalie Loiseau to Zagreb, on April 5th and 6th.

We organized the visit of two large delegations of French officials from our National Institute for Advanced Studies in Security and Justice and our National School of Administration to Zagreb, in May and June. There were also roundtable discussions with the representatives from Croatian Government and from Sabor.

Every time they get together our two countries work on concrete issues to promote the European Union and its values in order to meet citizens’ expectations. In this light, we are also working with our Croatian partners on supporting local actors on Mediterranean thematics, and supporting civil society stakeholders. Particular attention is also given to supporting Rijeka, as the 2020 European Capital of Culture.

Not long ago a new terminal at Zagreb International Airport was opened, a project

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implemented by a consortium of companies led by Aéroports de Paris and Bouygues. How long did it take French companies to discover Croatia and how many of them are present in Croatia today?

— This discovery, as you say, is well on track. The growth of the bilateral trade since Croatia's accession to the EU in 2013 is impressive: +22% in 2017, reaching almost 1 billion euro. Our bilateral trade (in goods and services, including tourism) is well balanced, and, as such, valuable for both our two countries.

WE ARE ALSO WORKING WITH OUR CROATIAN PARTNERS ON SUPPORTING LOCAL ACTORS ON MEDITERRANEAN THEMATICS, AND SUPPORTING CIVIL SOCIETY STAKEHOLDERS There are 60 subsidiaries of French companies, employing nearly 6,500 employees all around the country, including Slavonia. We are working hard at different relevant levels to develop these economic links with the help of the very dynamic Franco-Croatian Chamber of Commerce

and Industry. 554,000 French tourists visited Croatia in 2017.

Could you tell us about the French presence in Croatia in the field of culture, language and history? What did you find out about the connection between France and Croatia on your many travels across the country?

— In terms of culture and history, I can testify to a genuine closeness between our two countries, with strong shared values – namely, being proud of our rich cultural heritage, having beautiful and varied landscapes, pleasant way of life, nice gastronomy... We build on this to promote new connections between both civil societies. We work with the French Institute in Zagreb, the Alliance Française network (Dubrovnik, Osijek, Rijeka, Split, Zagreb) and our numerous different partners. We are particularly trying to change the perception of the French language, which is a major international language of communication and a language for global business.

Allow me to also mention the French School of Zagreb (EFZ) which constitutes a EuroCampus with the German school. The two schools welcome pupils from Croatia and many other countries. It is a unique experience for children to learn languages and to get involved with other cultures. It is a European symbol in Zagreb, at the core of the European Union.

NIVES ŠEREMET

CORPORATE

IMPROVING LIVES

BY IMPROVING SIGHT Essilor is the only company from optical industry on the Forbes’ World’s 100 Most Innovative Companies

Managing Director, Essilor Adria

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ssilor has been named by Forbes as one of the world’s 100 “Most Innovative Companies” for 2018, ranked 52nd; a marked increase compared to 2017 (68th). Essilor is the only company from optical industry on this list. Every year since 2010, Essilor has figured among the top 100 publicly traded companies identified by investors as having the highest innovation potential.

As an industry leader, Essilor believes that it is the company’s duty to continue pushing the boundaries of optical solutions that can correct and protect people’s vision everywhere. „We have evolved our innovation processes to reflect the world today – networked, collaborative, and creative – in order to meet the changing lifestyles of existing eyeglass wearers and respond to the vast, unmet vision needs of 2.5 billion people living with uncorrected poor vision“, says Nives Šeremet, Managing Director, Essilor Adria. „Vision is the most used of our senses. 80% of information is received via sight. How? Our eyes: complex high-performance organs that is rarely perfect. Nearly one in two people suffer from vision problems. These problems can be linked to disease or age, but are more often due to an eye defect.

From single to progressive, or reading to screen lenses, corrective lenses help us regain clarity of vision, avoid fatigue and headaches and preserve our safety and comfort throughout life“, explains Ms Šeremet.

How does Essilor mission guide your ambitions?

— Good vision is essential for our everyday wellbeing and quality of life. Seeing well enables us to learn, work, and fully interact with the world around us. That’s why Essilor teams worldwide are driven by our vital mission of improving lives by improving sight.

We place our mission at the heart of everything we do, respecting the values and principles that have shaped the company for near 170 years. Our mission unites our 67,000 employees across the world, drives our strategy and stimulates innovation.

MISSION

INNOVATION HAS BEEN AT THE CORE OF ESSILOR’S IDENTITY SINCE THE GROUP’S CREATION, UNDERPINNING THE GROUP’S MISSION OF IMPROVING LIVES BY IMPROVING SIGHT Business development in Croatia is built on raising consumer awareness of the importance of visual health and the quality of eyewear products. Together with our partners, eye care professionalist we are working on preventive care aspect of visual health that is a major but largely unknown challenge. Repeated exposure to sunlight and digital device

screens contributes to the development of certain visual pathologies. In terms of sunlight, high-quality protection against UV rays is still too rare. In addition to raising awareness of these issues, Essilor has applied its technological expertise to develop innovative products that deliver superior performance.

In Croatia, we are following trends of Essilor worldwide as a market leader.

Overall population is becoming elder, what role does this fact play in Essilor product range?

— Our vision inevitably changes around the age of 45. We experience more difficulty in seeing close up. We’ve become presbyopic. Progressive lenses designed for the physiology of presbyopes – the result of innovative technologies from the work of more than 500 researchers.

Invented in 1959, the Varilux® lens is the first progressive lens, and one that brings a real revolution for presbyopes.

Since then, we have constantly pushed the boundaries of technology and gathered a robust in-depth understanding of presbyopes’ needs; allowing Varilux® lenses to become the number one progressive lens brand worldwide.

Varilux® lenses provide instantly sharp, effortless vision at near, far and everywhere in between, with smooth transitions at every distance from the moment the wearer puts them on. Our lenses allow wearers to pursue personal and professional activities with confidence while feeling empowered to enjoy all that life has to offer.

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FRENCH INVESTORS HAVE A GREAT INTEREST IN CROATIA

We have an honest perception of Croatia as a partner. French companies are increasingly focusing on Croatia, hence, the French Embassy is vigorously promoting the opportunities Croatia offers to the French business

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rom the very beginning, France has been fully supportive of the Croatian membership in the EU. Notably, in the aftermath of the first European-Balkan Summit in Zagreb, in 2000, under the French Presidency over the EU, the two countries forged their lasting friendship. Since then, France and Croatia have cooperated in many fields.

In April this year, the two countries have signed a new bilateral Strategic Partnership Agreement for the period 2018-2021. One of the three main priorities they have set for the next five-year-period is to strengthen mutual economic relations including a stronger exchange of expertise in fields such as tourism, which is common to the both economies.

The growth of the bilateral trade since Croatia's accession to the EU in 2013 has been impressive with a 22% rise in the period ending in 2017. Its value has reached almost one billion euro. What is even more valuable is that the external trade (in goods and services, including tourism) between the two countries is well balanced which means that they are valuable for both countries.

There are 60 subsidiaries of French

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INTERVIEW

BERTRAND LE TALLEC

Economic counsellor, French Embassy

companies, employing nearly 6,500 employees all around the country. Both countries are working hard at different relevant levels to develop these economic links. In that respect, it is important to mention the efforts and accomplishments of the Franco-Croatian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Furthermore, Croatia proves to be very attractive for French tourists - in 2017 alone, 554,000 French tourists visited Croatia.

“I'm very pleased to say that French investors have a great interest in Croatia”, says Bertrand Le Tallec, Economic counsellor at the French Embassy in Croatia. “The

ONE OF THE THREE MAIN PRIORITIES FOR THE NEXT FIVE-YEAR-PERIOD IS TO STRENGTHEN MUTUAL ECONOMIC RELATIONS INCLUDING A STRONGER EXCHANGE OF EXPERTISE IN TOURISM

new Zagreb Airport, the investments in retail, food –industry, high tech, infrastructures such as motorways and each of the 60 french companies are the Flagship of the French –Croatian economic and commercial coopération“.

French companies are increasingly focusing on Croatia. “The trend is really positive,” says our interlocutor. “Hence, our Embassy has been promoting in France the opportunities that your country offers.

Indeed, economic relations between our two countries have never been so close”, notes Mr Le Tallec.

“These last two years have been very positive for our trade, not only for the French exports to Croatia, but also for the Croatian exports to France. And the number of tourists continues to increase with more than half a million French tourists last year”, adds our interlocutor. He also underlines the importance of mutual respect and the valued partnership. “We have an honest perception of Croatia as a partner. Our cooperation extends in many fields: economy, culture and many others segments. Having so many diverse ways for exchanging experiences is a win-win partnership”, Mr. Le Tallec concludes.

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ENHANCING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

According to the statistics from the Croatian National Bank, in the period from 1993 to the end of 2017, the total value of the French investments in Croatia amounted to EUR 974 million

INTERVIEW

ANDREA PETRIĆ

Senior Associate in the HGK's International and EU Affairs Division, in charge of bilateral and multilateral cooperation with European countries

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rance occupies the 9th place among the biggest foreign investors in Croatia, with a 2.9% share. The statistical data show that French companies invested the most in the financial sector, retail and wholesale, food production, real estate, construction sector, and insurance - says Andrea Petrić, Senior Associate in the Croatian Chamber of Economy's International and EU Affairs Division, in charge of bilateral and multilateral cooperation with European countries.

Which partnerships do you consider as having strategic importance for the development of the Croatian economy?

— One of the most important forms of cooperation between Croatian and French companies in the past was the construction of Croatian transport infrastructure. French companies were awarded with a concession for the construction and management of the Istrian Y motorway segment and the International Airport in Zagreb respectively, while the French company Colas acquired a stake in the Ceste Varaždin Company and thus became one of the leaders in road construction in Croatia.

In addition to the cooperation on strate-

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gic transport infrastructure projects, it is extremely important for Croatia to have investments in export-oriented production. In that sense, we would like to point out the excellent example of the French company Saint Jean Industrie, which in 2004, opened a factory in Slavonski Brod that produces aluminum components for the biggest automobile manufacturers.

From Croatia, this company directly supplies leading automotive companies such as PSA, Renault, Alfa Romeo, Honda and others. These kinds of success stories can

THE BIGGEST FRENCH INVESTMENT WAS RECORDED IN 2006 WHEN SOCIETE GENERALE ACQUIRED A STAKE IN SPLITSKA BANKA. THE FRENCH BANK SOLD ITS STAKE IN SPLITSKA BANKA LAST YEAR

be considered as having strategic importance because the mentioned investment, apart from the development and production of competitive export products, has created 300 new jobs in Croatia. The French company also directly cooperates with other Croatian companies, thus integrating them into its global supplier chain.

How many of the economic goals stated in the Action Plan for the Croatian-French Strategic Partnership 2014 – 2017 have been met?

— The Action Plan for the Croatian-French Strategic Partnership from 2014 to 2017 envisaged bolstering the economic cooperation between Croatia and France through several key aspects - operational improvements in the Franco-Croatian Business Club, organizing visits by French and Croatian investors with the regular presentation of the markets of the two countries, boosting the economic cooperation between small and medium companies, especially in the segment of public procurement, and developing cooperation in the field of tourism. The Franco-Croatian Business Club, which gathers the representatives of French companies in

Croatia, has evolved into the Franco-Croatian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, bringing together over 50 companies. The Croatian Chamber of Economy (HGK) has also organized a presentation of the Croatian economy and investment potential at the Chamber of Commerce in Paris, and last year we played hosts to the French business delegation which visit was organized by the strongest French employer association, MEDEF. Via its service tenderi.hgk.hr, the HGK regularly provides information for SMEs about the current French public procurements and tenders. Late last year, we encouraged Croatian companies to participate in the Paris Region Business Meetings event, at which an educational presentation about the details of the public procurement system in France and direct meetings with the biggest French clients in the public procurement segment were held.

The new Action Plan for the Croatian-French Strategic Partnership 20182021 was signed in April 2018 and it puts more emphasis on further strengthening of economic relations. To that end, the Croatian Chamber of Economy will carry out numerous activities aimed at intensifying the bilateral economic cooperation.

What is your cooperation on a COSME programme - Horizon 2020 and the Mediterranean Transnational Programme like?

— The Croatian Chamber of Economy implements a number of projects financed from EU funds and programmes, and on some of them, we have partnered with French institutions. One of the most significant projects implemented by the Croatian Chamber of Economy, which is cofinanced from COSME and Horizon 2020, is the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN). Through

this project, we help Croatian SMEs to internationalize their businesses and raise their competitiveness by introducing innovations into their operations.

How satisfied are you with the volume and structure of the external trade between the two countries? In which way does the Chamber faciliate a better cooperation between the French and Croatian business communities?

IN 2017, THE TOTAL VALUE OF THE EXTERNAL TRADE BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES AMOUNTED TO ALMOST 900 MILLION EUR — Relative to the previous year, Croatian exports to France rose by 24 percent in 2017, while imports from France recorded a 12 percent growth. Croatia mostly exports automotive equipment and parts, pharmaceutical and therapeutic preparations, textile products, freight railroad cars, electrical equipment, and agricultural machinery to France, while France mostly exports motor vehicles, boats, beauty products, pharmaceutical products, agro-food products, electrical and electronic equipment to Croatia.

Our companies have recently returned from the international military equipment fair in Paris called EUROSATORY in which they participated. Early this year, they exhibited at the CTCO promotional products fair in Lyon. Croatian winemakers regularly participate and win prizes at the VINEXPO

fair in Bordeaux. Furthermore, Croatian companies are preparing for a joint appearance at the SIAL Agricultural and Food Products Fair held in Paris in October. The Croatian Chamber of Economy has also organized the Croatian-French Economic Forum in Zagreb during the French festival, Rendez-vous. We brought two large French retail chains to Croatia and organized meetings with the potential Croatian suppliers at the CROATIA SUPPLY DAY. Furthermore, we have an excellent cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of France in Zagreb and the Croatian Embassy in Paris, as well as with the French partners in the Enterprise Europe Network. Through our joint effort, we help Croatian and French companies to internationalize their business.

In what areas would the transfer of the French know-how be most beneficial for Croatia?

— According to the data collated by the European Patent Office, France is the fourth country in the world and the second in the EU according to the number of patents.

In recent years, France has recorded the largest technological development in the sector of transport, electrical machinery, energy, medical and information technology, biotechnology and digital communications. These are all areas in which Croatia can learn a lot from France. Our core objective is to raise the level of competitiveness of the Croatian economy through the introduction of new technologies and digital business transformation. I believe that we will achieve a more intensive cooperation in the exchange of know-how between Croatian and French companies, as well as between scientific and research institutions in the future.

NUMBERS

CROATIA EXPORTED 360 MILLION EUR WORTH OF GOODS TO FRANCE, WHILE THE VALUE OF CROATIAN IMPORT FROM FRANCE STOOD AT 535 MILLION EUR FRANCE 2018

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INTERVIEW

VIŠNJA JEŽIĆ SORIĆ

President of the Franco-Croatian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

MANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION

The Franco-Croatian Chamber of Commerce’s main goal is to be the first and indispensable point for the information and support for French companies coming to Croatia and Croatian companies going to France. Croatia has a big potential which our members recognize 14

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rench companies feel welcomed in the Croatian market, says Višnja Ježić Sorić, President of the Franco-Croatian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She notes that the opportunities for cooperation were additionally improved when Croatia became an EU member. The Chamber itself is avidly supporting opportunities for the exchange of goods and services between the two countries, as well as all sorts of investments.

How many members do you currently have, and in which economic sectors in Croatia do French companies have the strongest presence?

— The Franco-Croatian Chamber of Commerce and Industry currently counts 55 member companies, from very small to the biggest multinationals present in Croatia.

The represented sectors are quite diverse.

We have big companies from the transport, logistics and infrastructure sectors, and different services companies from IT, financial, facility management to business consultancy firms. Also, our members are from the automobile industry which is very pronounced in Croatia and of course, the agriculture and food industry. Last but not least, there are companies from global cosmetics industry, while the pharmaceutical sector also has its representatives in Croatia.

What are the key potentials identified

by French investors in Croatia? How appealing is Croatia to French companies in terms of being an investment destination?

— The French have always been interested in big infrastructure projects. The best example of this is the long-term concession

of Zagreb airport, as well as the motorways in Istria and the Zagreb-Macelj motorway.

Our market is relatively secure, so the French investors are not reluctant to invest in major projects. We constantly see our members or other French companies bidding in a number of public tenders.

Croatia is an interesting destination, even more since it joined the EU. Furthermore, Croatia has a big potential in agriculture and food industry with vast agricultural land in the east. Our members have recognized this potential.

French investors are also interested in all opportunities that Croatia has to offer

WE ARE CONSTANTLY WORKING TOWARDS A BETTER RECOGNITION OF THE CHAMBER – IN CROATIA, IN FRANCE, BUT ALSO IN THE REGION concerning the installation of manufacturing plants.

When talking about smaller or very small investors, like small business entrepreneur companies, they too have found Croatia to be an interesting market for their development - in tourism, retail, catering and related services. For them, the quality of everyday life is also important, which is still quite high in Croatia.

What are your Chamber's key objectives in regard to participating in bolstering the business environment in the

country?

— Although we cannot directly influence the country’s economic climate, the Chamber’s primary task is to facilitate the activities of our members in Croatia as well as in France, as much as we can through possessing the knowledge of the market and the contacts we have.

It has been five years now since Croatia has become member of the European Union, which opened a new perspective in business relationships with other member countries.

We are constantly working towards a better recognition of the Chamber – in Croatia, in France, but also in the region, through the cooperation with business organizations, as well as through modelling ourselves after the similar associations in Croatia and France because we strongly believe that we can achieve a lot through a joint appearance and effort.

How would you rate the cooperation with the government and other stakeholders like business associations?

— The Chamber has excellent relations and cooperation with various Business Clubs, Chambers and other professional associations in Croatia, as well as Croatian municipalities and counties. The central and local administrations are open to our suggestions and to meet with our member companies, in order to solve any issue.

I would also like to mention some of our most important partners in Croatia and in France: the Croatian Chamber of Economy, the French Embassy in Zagreb, the Croatian Embassy in Paris, the Agency for Investment and Competitiveness, the French Regional chambers of commerce and industry, Medef International (the

INTEREST

FRENCH COMPANIES ARE INTERESTED IN BIG INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS, AGRICULTURE AND FOOD INDUSTRY, TOURISM AND RETAIL FRANCE 2018

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most important Employer’s Association in France), and Business France – the French agency for the international development of companies.

What kind of inquiries do you usually receive from companies that are considering entering the Croatian market?

What does interest them most and how do you help them?

— The inquiries vary, but mainly revolve around public tenders which are very frequent in various sectors like the distribution of consumer and capital goods, food industry and services, especially after Croatia’s accession to the EU Also, you have to know that Croatia is perceived in France as a country that receives a huge number of tourists, tripling its population during the whole year. And accordingly there is a perception of a need to satisfy such large number of people, which makes their inquiries very diverse.

We provide different services to them with the view of supporting them in their attempts to succeed in the foreign market, by helping them to start and establish their businesses and to choose quality, supportive partners that will follow them in their everyday operations

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WE CONSTANTLY SEE OUR MEMBERS OR OTHER FRENCH COMPANIES BIDDING A NUMBER OF PUBLIC TENDERS. CROATIA IS AN INTERESTING DESTINATION, EVEN MORE SINCE IT JOINED THE EU and through finding clients and promoting their products and services.

What are the experiences of the longterm French investors in Croatia? What are their suggestions for improving the business climate?

— The feedback we receive from our member companies is quite positive for Croatia. There are always certain minor issues or problems with the administration, the legislation, and maybe with some deadlines, but speaking as a practicing lawyer, I can say that nothing is unsolvable! There is no country in the world where

everything is perfect.

As in any kind of relationship, especially in business, the most important thing is good communication and good networking in order to benefit from the experiences of previously established companies.

Another very important part of doing business in Croatia is to surround yourself with good legal and financial support.

What is the Chamber's reputation in the business community, and what are your further plans on promoting the Chamber's work?

— We are a platform that facilitates the activities of our members primarily in the Croatian but also in the French market. The Chamber is an active association and maintaining a constant contact with its member companies, in order to update and adapt in terms of devising an offer for them that suits their needs, all for their benefit and their business success.

We are acquiring more and more experience, knowledge, contacts and members on a daily basis. The Chamber’s main goal is to be the first and indispensable point for the information and support for French companies coming to Croatia and Croatian companies going to France.

THE FRANCO-CROATIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

FACILITATING COOPERATION

The Chamber’s purpose is to facilitate exchange of contacts and ideas with policy makers, as well as to contribute to better mutual understanding of economic issues inherent to France and Croatia

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he Franco-Croatian Chamber of Commerce and Industry was founded in 2012 as a Franco-Croatian Business Club.

The Chamber is a non-profit nongovernmental organization, which in its founding stage received support from around 40 companies, branches and representative

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offices of French companies, investors, exporters and importers, which have grown in number to the present 55.

The Chamber’s purpose is to facilitate exchange of contacts and ideas with policy makers, as well as synergies and joint ventures, and to contribute to better mutual understanding of economic issues inherent

to France and Croatia, the European Union and in relation to third country markets.

The member companies today vary from very small entrepreneurs to the biggest multinationals, and we can proudly say that each and every member contributes on a voluntary basis to the Chamber’s operations with equal amount of energy

and enthusiasm, just like in the beginning.

They have recognized the Chamber’s efforts to facilitate business contacts and opportunities by organizing targeted business meetings on B2B, networking events, the thematic conferences, business forums and working reunions with the representatives of central and local administration and public institutions. Besides the business part, the Chamber cherishes the friendship between all the members by encouraging a number of informal events during the year, of which the biggest one is the celebration of the young French wine, Beaujolais Nouveau, which attracts a huge crowd every year.

Our member companies enjoy special privileges in terms of financial, legal and language services, they have access to various databases, and they can easily get in contact with some of the largest global

companies in building sector, infrastructure, financial services, IT, transport, consulting, etc. They are given opportunities to participate in thematic lectures and seminars, networking events and web and social networks’ promotion, not to mention that the affiliation to a business

THE FRANCO-CROATIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY IS OPEN TO ALL COMPANIES WHICH NEED BUSINESS SUPPORT IN BOTH FRENCH AND CROATIAN MARKETS

association of a renowned and familiar reputation makes contacts much easier.

The Franco-Croatian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is open to all companies which need business support in both French and Croatian markets.

We have maintained the recognizable French touch because all of our member companies are, in some way, connected to France, whether through the ownership structure, or simply by working with the French or in the French market.

The Chamber’s office is at the disposal for any enquiries from Monday to Friday, 9-17 hours: Franco-Croatian Chamber of Commerce and Industry c/o French Embassy, Hebrangova 2, HR10000 Zagreb, +385 91 254 7452 contact@chambrefrancocroate.com Contact person: Marko Klenović, Director.

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ECONOMY

LOUVRE 2.0

Culture as Fuel for Economy

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everal weeks ago, the world was 'shaken' by good news. For a change. The news was that a second Louvre Museum – The Louvre 2.0 – was opened in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, right in the middle of the desert, in an Islamic country which is usually not inclined towards figurative and experimental art.

The Louvre 2.0 is in Abu Dhabi, and not in.... New York? Of course not. I once had a girlfriend who was a visual artist and who complained about the art market being over-saturated. I retorted with three words

– „Arabic world“, „China“, „India“. These are construction hubs with a lot of empty walls and corners just begging for paintings and sculptures. It is only logical that when money and the centres of civilization move towards East, their 'faithful mistress' – art – follows the trail. Art and culture generating money are as important as money generating art and culture.

LE LOUVRE MULTIPLIES – LES LOUVRES

So, how did it all come about? Let's ask the Louvre directly. “Wishing to make their

country a top cultural destination and internationally recognized for art, education, and culture, the leaders of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi launched the development of this major, universal art museum project.

By developing tourism, education, and services, they aimed to dawn the post-oil age. Abu Dhabi called on French expertise to help them successfully bring the Arab world’s first universal museum to life.”

To make things even better, the Louvre Abu Dhabi was not only a result of the collaboration between Abu Dhabi, as one of the emirates, and the Louvre, as a museum, but also a result of the incredibly strong cooperation between many institutions from both countries. It all started in March 2007 when a contract was concluded that stipulated „opening of the first universal museum in the Arabic world“.

The museum brings the Louvre name to Abu Dhabi and presents both ancient and contemporary works of historic, cultural, and sociological interest from around the world. The French institutions that participated in the project are The Musée du Louvre, The Centre Pompidou, The Public Establishment of the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée de l’Orangerie, The Bibliothèque Nationale de France (BnF), The Musée du Quai Branly, The Réunion des Musées Nationaux – Grand Palais, The Musée et Domaine National de Versailles, The Musée National des Arts Asiatiques Guimet, The École du Louvre, The Musée Rodin, The Domaine National de Chambord, and The French Operator for Heritage and Cultural Building Projects (Oppic).

So, is the 'new' Louvre a copy of the old one? Or is it more of a branch where the second-rate art collections, that have been sitting in the basement of the museum in

another $700 million were paid on the account of 'advisory services'. Who says that culture doesn't pay off and that you cannot export it?

The Louvre 2.0 is 'the child' of the Louvre 1.0, and not its clone. It can be likened to FC New York City, in the American soccer league, that was founded by FC Manchester City under the same colours, but not as Manchester City's B team. Let me clarify that. This is not 'a lower league'.

This is rather 'almost the same project' but in a different location. Maybe a bit more advanced, but definitely different.

CULTURE AS A PROPELLANT

THE LOUVRE 2.0 IS 'THE CHILD' OF THE LOUVRE 1.0, AND NOT ITS CLONE. IT CAN BE LIKENED TO FC NEW YORK CITY, IN THE AMERICAN SOCCER LEAGUE Paris, are presented to the Third World?

Definitely not! This is how the museum operates - the future museum is not, in any way, a copy of the French Louvre; it is an individual institution offering its own interpretation of a universal museum, reflecting its era and the local traditions of the country it lies in. Its collection, which will include loans from French institutions (rotated on a ten-year basis), as well as works from its own currently-developing compilation, will be presented in an original manner. Just to add that the license was sold for $500 million dollars, and that

Bearing in mind that the people who bought the most important and expensive paintings lately come from Qatar and Dubai, and that one of these paintings has been purchased personally by Mohammad bin Salman, the future king of Saudi Arabia who promises to change his country and make it more open, such "export of culture" can only be beneficial. And using culture as help in deciding about a destination is certainly not a weak argument. On the contrary.

Although it seems to us that we are living in the age of social networks, superficiality, constant staring at our phones, selfies, reality shows and a decrease in overall culture, it is really not so. Culture has become more democratic as much as it has become superficial. Back in the day, some people chose culture as their destination, some did not at all. Everybody is doing the same nowadays too, but in a somewhat reduced volume. Culture has become more superficial, but, paradoxically enough, more important too.

EXPERTISE

ABU DHABI CALLED ON FRENCH EXPERTISE TO HELP THEM SUCCESSFULLY BRING THE ARAB WORLD’S FIRST UNIVERSAL MUSEUM TO LIFE FRANCE 2018

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CORPORATE

THE ALL-NEW PEUGEOT 5008 - A WHOLE NEW DIMENSION FOR SUVS It's name hasn't changed, but everything else has. The new PEUGEOT 5008 breaks new ground as a large seven-seater SUV in the C segment

As a new contender in this growing consumer market, it boasts many strengths.

The all-new PEUGEOT 5008 SUV includes the latest version of the outstanding PEUGEOT i-Cockpit®, Efficient Modular Platform 2 (EMP2), and a plethora of high-tech features that enhance comfort and safety. Behind the elegant, dynamic design lies a superbly practical vehicle. With seven seats, the all-new PEUGEOT 5008 is the first SUV to offer modularity on par with that of the best people-carriers. A range of powerful, efficient engines and designs is available for the new PEUGEOT 5008 SUV, who is launched on croatian market at the begining of this year.

The future looks bright for large C-segment seven-seater SUVs. The segment has changed a lot since 2009, when the first-generation PEUGEOT 5008 was released, and since then a great number of SUVs have entered the market in nearly all segments. This new kind of vehicle is an exceptional match for the expectations of today’s customers.

The SUV is truly a modern automobile, offering users the attractive combination of status, sophisticated technol-

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ogy, impressive practicality and driving emotions. It puts drivers at centre stage and answers their urge to go new places and experience new things.

The 5008 SUV can rely on its many strengths to reach these goals. It all begins with a stunning interior that is nonetheless extremely practical.

The new PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® elevates the passenger compartment!

No other vehicle in its class matches the new PEUGEOT 5008 SUV for its trailblazing design: optimised and efficient geometry, a roomy interior, and a range of smart features. It has inherited the many traits of the new PEUGEOT 2008 and 3008 SUVs that make the PEUGEOT family of vehicles the most distinguished, modern, and stylistically consistent currently on the market. To start off, there’s the truly unique driver’s environment. The first thing to see when opening the front doors is the latest version of the innovative, almost futuristic - PEUGEOT i-Cockpit®, which offers vehicle occupants a novel driving experience that both surprises and delights.

Spacious interior and more functions The 2.84-m wheelbase of the all-new

PEUGEOT 5008 SUV makes it the most liveable of C-segment SUVs! The Efficient Modular Platform (EMP2) is specified with a wheelbase 16.5 cm longer than the new PEUGEOT 3008 SUV, and is 11cm wider than the original 5008, and second-row passengers, have 60mm more knee room.

The overall length of the vehicle (4.64m) remains compact, yet for a spacious C-segment vehicle, the new PEUGEOT 5008 SUV—though 19cm longer than the new PEUGEOT 3008 SUV and 11cm longer than the original version of the 5008—is still one of the most conservatively proportioned and its extra length makes it roomier for passengers.

An SUV with an imposing exterior The all-new PEUGEOT 5008 is a real SUV. All the hallmarks are there: long, horizontal bonnet; vertical face; and raised body line. The inspired design conveys power and respect, each line and curve perfectly positioned to project balance and uniformity. The contours of the new PEUGEOT 5008 SUV are both harmonious and elegant for a vehicle of its size.

NEW C4 CACTUS, THE ULTRACOMFORTABLE HATCHBACK WITH A UNIQUE PERSONALITY Citroën launched the New C4 Cactus in Croatia, its new compact hatchback.

The C4 Cactus has been substantially upgraded, adopting the classic cues of the segment in terms of technology and engines while continuing to stand apart through its singular personality and comfort. The car's styling is as bold and modern as ever but gains enhanced status. Inside, the New C4 Cactus offers unrivalled comfort, immersing occupants in a true cocoon. Benefiting from the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme, the New C4 Cactus is the first model in Europe to feature the suspension with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions™ (PHC), making the "magic carpet ride" effect accessible to the greatest number, and the first vehicle in the world to boast Advanced Comfort seats.

With its unique personality, the New C4 Cactus is the last word in ultra-com-

fortable hatchbacks, set to shake up the croatian market from June 2018.

Following the launch of the C3 in 2016 and the SUV offensive in 2017 with the C3 Aircross and C5 Aircross, Citroën is taking a further step forward in the roll-out of its product offensive and surprising the world once more with its new compact hatchback, the New C4 Cactus. The new model brings a breath of fresh air to the hatchback segment

FRESH

THE NEW C4 CACTUS IS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR AND BRINGS A TOUCH OF ORIGINALITY TO THE SEGMENT OF COMPACT SEDANS

by blending the singular personality of the C4 Cactus with the class-leading comfort of the C4. The model's status has also been boosted through the addition of segment essentials including 12 driver assistance systems, 3 connectivity technologies, engines developing up to 130 bhp and prestigious styling.

With its modern and distinctive design, the New C4 Cactus brings occupants an all-new experience of well-being. Tohat end, Citroën drew on its technological heritage in hydraulic suspension systems. This technology has been reinterpreted to become accessible to the greatest number. The New C4 Cactus is the first model in Europe to be equipped with the suspension with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions™ (PHC), and the first in the world to feature Advanced Comfort seats, providing all-new seating and ride comfort.

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ECONOMIC COOPERATION

ON THE B RISE

Enormous potential yet to be materialised

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efore joining the European Union, Croatia had strong economic ties with one of the biggest powers in Europe – France, but these ties were not as developed as those with Italy or Germany. In the light of the new circumstances, after 2013, the posibilities are now even bigger.

France is powerful! The country used to be the biggest power in the world in the 18th century, but today, in terms of the economic power, it occupies the fourth place in the world, according to its gross national product (GNP). France has many

trump cards - transport, telecommunications, food industry, pharmaceuticals, but also the banking sector, insurance, tourism and last but not least, traditional luxury products (high fashion, perfumes, alcoholic drinks, etc.). France is ranked fourth in the world by direct foreign investments too. Namely, foreign investors appreciate the French workforce, very developed research, good management of advanced technologies, monetary stability and good control of production costs. Since Croatia joined the EU in 2013, the country has had access to EU

funds and this allows French companies to operate more easily in Croatia than in other regional countries. This also gives Croatian companies an opportunity to position themselves in France. So, what is Croatia's current position? Can we make it in the demanding but selective French market?

WHAT NEXT? Croatia and France have very good relations, but there is still plenty of room for bolstering the economic cooperation, especially in the construction, automotive and food industries, energy, tourism, agriculture and infrastructure projects - says the Croatian Chamber of Economy (HGK).

France occupies the 7th place among the most important investors in Croatia.

Croatia is mainly exporting automotive equipment and parts, agricultural machinery, freight railroad cars, electrical equipment, textile and leather products, and wood products to France, while France exports mostly cars, pharmaceuticals, ships and boats, agricultural products, plastics, electrical and electronic equipment and cosmetic products to Croatia. A few years ago, the economic ties between the two countries got a boost with the establishment of the Franco-Croatian Chamber of Commerce and Industry which has over 60 members ( French companies operating in Croatia). The Chamber intends to become an important platform in attracting and facilitating the entry and operation of its members in the Croatian market.

The trade between France and Croatia is growing at the pace of 15% per year, thus making France the country’s tenth-largest trading partner. The trade has grown at the similar pace during the years immediately

THE FRANCO-CROATIAN BUSINESS CLUB WAS ESTABLISHED IN MAY 2012, BRINGING TOGETHER OVER 50 COMPANIES, FOLLOWED BY THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MEDEF INTERNATIONAL MISSION IN FEBRUARY 2013 after the recovery from the world economic crisis. France had a trade balance surplus of €192 million in 2015, compared to €159 million in 2014 which unfortunately grew in the period from 2016 to 2017. Out of all

south-eastern European countries, France has the largest trade surplus with Croatia.

France is Croatia’s 12th-largest supplier in terms of the country’s imports. Despite an increase in the French imports from Croatia (approximately +15%, compared previous years, which is a fantastic growth rate), the balance still shows a large surplus on the French side.

Despite a diversified sectoral presence (agro- and agri-business, infrastructure, banking, distribution), France has not yet reached the “critical mass” but is getting there. France is the seventh-largest investor in Croatia, with €651 million worth of FDI made by four major businesses (Société Générale, Bouygues, Alstom and Lactalis) in the years immediately after the EU accession of Croatia. Societe Generale, which bought Spliska Banka, was one of the leading “players” in the banking sector in Croatia from 2006 to 2017 when it was sold to the Hungarian OTP Bank in

TRADE

THE TRADE BETWEEN FRANCE AND CROATIA IS GROWING AT THE PACE OF 15% PER YEAR, THUS MAKING FRANCE THE COUNTRY’S TENTHLARGEST TRADING PARTNER FRANCE 2018

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its entirety. The Zagreb Airport concession was granted to Bouygues-Aéroports de Paris (ADP) in 2012 (€250-€300 million for investment in a new terminal, during a 30-year concession) significantly changed Croatian decision-makers’ perception of France. Investments in other businesses (Saint Jean Industries and others) have increased this positive momentum, which was further strengthened through the establishment of the Franco-Croatian Business Club in May 2012, bringing together over 50 companies, and facilitated the establishment of a MEDEF International mission in February 2013.

Challenges for the French companies in Croatia are significant in view of the €11 billion in structural funds available for the period 2014-2020. There are opportunities for our companies, in particular in transport infrastructure sectors (extension of the Istria motorway network operated by Bouygues, a railway project to open up the port of Rijeka, and the renovation of Dubrovnik and Zagreb Airports involving Aéroports de Paris and Bouygues), as well as in the sanitation and waste treatment sector.

TOURISM Croatia is a very popular destination with the French tourists, but not due to the geographical proximity since Spain is much closer to France than Croatia. Since the late 1990s, Croatia has positioned itself in the French market as a destination with

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a good, recognizable reputation, and has become a must-see destination both for tourists and travel companies. However, Croatia remains a relatively "expensive" destination for the French, and does not always fit the “best value for money” category, which is something that the French tourists often object to. One of the reasons for this is expensive flights. Despite the fact that there are low-cost flights between France and Croatia, their number is insufficient, does not cover all emitting regions and cannot be compared to other markets because Croatia has a huge number of islands and an extremely long coastline.

CHALLENGES FOR THE FRENCH COMPANIES IN CROATIA ARE SIGNIFICANT IN VIEW OF THE €11 BILLION IN STRUCTURAL FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR THE PERIOD 2014-2020 It is very likely that Croatia would occupy a much better position if only holiday travels were taken into account.

If we exclude the favourite city break destinations, Croatia has significantly gained on popoularity in terms of the favourite holiday destination and has become one of the top 10 destinations for the French

tourists. Dubrovnik remains the absolute favourite, which is now experiencing its revival thanks to the "The Game of Thrones" series. The Inmusic Festival, that takes place in Zagreb, has contributed to more tourists coming to the capital city, and frequent comparisons with Prague and Budapest have made Zagreb a nightlife hub. Split and its surroundings are very interesting to the French too, followed by Zadar and Istria.

The number of French tourists in Croatia has gone up by more than 2% per annum since 2013, also thanks to the upheavals in Croatia's competitiors such as Egypt, Tunisia and others. The significant development of low-cost airlines and the opening of the airports in Zadar and Split have generated huge profits for Croatia, because it is usually the do-ityourself, young tourists who most often decide to engage in this kind of tourism.

After the record-breaking 2006, when there were over 500,000 French tourists in Croatia, this number decline after the world economic crisis. However, in 2017, the number of the French tourists returned to its pre-crisis level.

According to the French, Croatia's biggest advantage lies in its natural attractions (Ipsos and Thomas, 2014). One can conclude that the French tourists usually look for „beautiful landscapes, untouched nature and authenticity“ whether they are nautical, sun & sea or rural tourists, and Croatia has plenty to offer in that department.

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CONNECTING PEOPLE THROUGH CULTURE

We work hard to give an innovative image of our country in showcasing the creativity of French artists in the field of digital art, video games and virtual reality, comic books, animated films, street art and art in the public space. Our aim is to reach new audiences, with a particular attention to youth

INTERVIEW

GUILLAUME COLIN

Director of the French Institute in Croatia and Counsellor for cultural affairs and cooperation at the French Embassy in Zagreb

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ince 2004, Croatia has been an observing member of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), an organization that has 84 member states and governments (58 members and 26 observers), which together represent over one-third of the United Nations’ member states and account for a population of over 900 million people, including 274 million French speakers.

But what does Francophonie actually mean for Croatia? About 10.000 learners from kindergarten to university; 250 teachers of French languages; 5 Alliances Françaises (Dubrovnik, Osijek, Rijeka, Split et Zagreb) and 3 Cercles Français (Koprivnica, Varazdin et Zadar); and more than 700,00 French-speaking tourists visiting Croatia annually.

Apart from the incredible wealth and diversity of cultural resources provided by the French Institute at its premises in Zagreb, membership in the French Insti-

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tute or in one of the 5 Alliances Françaises provides access to a number of actual online cultural resources – newspapers, magazines, comics, latest books edited in France, music… - via the portal http://www. culturetheque.com.

We had the pleasure of talking to Mr. Guillaume Colin, Director of the French Cultural Institute in Croatia and a cooperation

OUR MAIN GOAL IS TO PROMOTE CULTURAL AND HUMAN EXCHANGES BETWEEN THE CROATIAN AND FRENCH PEOPLE IN ORDER TO STRENGTHEN OUR EUROPEAN PARTNERSHIP

and cultural affairs advisor at the French Embassy in Zagreb.

You have been present in Croatia for a quarter of a century. What would you single out as the Institute's key contributions to the promotion of French culture and language in Croatia, as well as the promotion of science and higher education during this period?

— Actually, it is a much longer story than that… We celebrated the 120 anniversary of the Alliance Française of Osijek last year in February. Now, there are five dynamic French Alliances in Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, Dubrovnik and of course, the one in Osijek!

The story of the French Institute itself in Croatia began in 1922, when the first French lecturer, sent by France, founded the first French library located at today’s Marulić Square. In 1935, the French Institute settled in 40, Preradovićeva Street where it stayed until 2004. Furthermore, in 1946, the French reading room was

founded at 5, Preradovićeva Street. This reading room was completely renovated in 2001 and was subsequently merged with the library to become the new venue of the French Institute in Croatia. Over these nine decades, the French Institute has of course participated in the cultural life not only of Zagreb, but also of whole Croatia.

Our cultural exchanges have been recently enriched with the two cultural seasons that took place in 2012 and 2015 - “Croatie, la voici”, which presented Croatia in France, and “Rendez-vous”, the festival of France in Croatia. Both of them were a huge success and helped boost and update the interest for our cultural heritage.

Our main goal is definitely to promote cultural and human exchanges between Croatian and French people in order to strengthen our European partnership.

Which cultural content proved to be the most popular among audiences?

— Generally speaking, we can see a big interest in French culture among Croatian audiences and this is true for all artistic disciplines. Of course, when people think of French culture, they have in mind French songs or masters of fine arts as Rodin or Picasso, whose exhibitions were a big hit in Zagreb, or writers. France is also associated with fashion and gastronomy.

But what is important to us is also to promote lesser known artists and new ways of expression. We work to give an innovative image of our country in showcasing the creativity of French artists in the field of digital art, video games and virtual reality, comic books, animated films, street art and art in the public space, etc. We aim to reach new audiences, with a particular attention to youth, and to show that,

to this day, France remains a very active and exciting country in the field of culture.

Come and visit the French Library in downtown Zagreb to discover our new virtual reality device.

How much does the contemporary French theatre, dance, film and literature production correspond to the views and aspirations of the Croatian art scene and the sensibility of the Croatian audience?

— It is amazing to observe how the Croatian art scene is aware of the French contemporary production. Each month, there are new French films in cinemas and new

IT IS AMAZING TO OBSERVE HOW THE CROATIAN ART SCENE IS DEFINITELY VERY INTERESTED IN THE FRENCH CONTEMPORARY PRODUCTION books from French authors in bookshops.

The French Institute is contacted almost every day by organizers of cultural events who are eager to invite French artists and companies. The French Institute is partner of the main cultural events in Croatia. For example, we were recently partners of the Animafest Festival which presented more than 45 films made by French directors or coproduced by France. The Zagreb Dance Week Festival featured an amazing performance called “Pixel” that mixes hip-hop dance and digital art. Very soon, we will participate in the Dubrovnik

Summer Festival with a very original performance called Chimères Orchestra that will assemble French and Croatian artists.

This cooperation is valuable to us, not only to showcase the French contemporary production, but also to encourage exchanges between French and Croatian artists. The diversity and the variety of French contemporary productions allow us to reach a wide audience. We pay a particular attention not only to Zagreb audience, but also in other cities. For instance, the Rendez-vous au Cinéma Festival takes place each autumn since 2015 and offers a rich programme of French films in more than twenty cities thanks to a strong partnership with the Croatian Audiovisual Centre (HAVC) and the Croatian Independent Cinemas Network (Kino mreža).

What big issues that affect the society are in focus of the meetings, symposia and roundtable discussions that you organize together with your partners?

What global topics resonate both with the Croatian and French cultural elites?

— The French Institute in Zagreb organizes regular public debates with the aim to promote European values and a better understanding of global issues.

Just like many other European countries, France and Croatia are facing common challenges such as climate change, rise of populism, migrations, gender equality, and protection of minority rights. The French Institute has organized major events together with local and European partners about those issues in line with some strong national initiatives such as the One Planet Summit that took place in Paris last December, or the Gender Equality Tour de France.

LEARNING

TODAY IN CROATIA, ABOUT 10,000 PUPILS AND STUDENTS LEARN FRENCH IN ABOUT 200 PRIMARY AND HIGH SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES FRANCE 2018

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How popular is the French language today in Croatia and how satisfied are you with bilingual classes?

— French is often seen as a sophisticated and prestigious language. But it is much more than that. Mastering French opens up a world of opportunities in terms of study or professional career. One of our main challenges is to highlight all the opportunities related to speaking French in terms of study or professional career. For Croatians, proficiency in French can be an additional skill which really makes the difference, and not only in the tourist sector.

Today in Croatia, about 10,000 pupils and students learn French in about 200 primary and high schools and universities (including the two departments of the French language in Zadar and Zagreb and the five Alliances Françaises in Dubrovnik, Osijek, Rijeka Split, and Zagreb). One should also mention the two bilingual sections in Zagreb where reinforced teaching of French language is provided and some other subjects are taught in French as well.

Last but not least: the French School in Zagreb (Ecole française de Zagreb). Together with the German school, it is a Eurocampus - pupils from both schools study on the same venue and have some joint courses (English language, P.E., Croatian language) while learning the language of the other. The French School is not only homologated by the French Ministry of Education, but also by the Croatian Ministry and half of the pupils are Croatians.

In this context our role is to support

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the French language teachers and to help pupils getting their degrees in French: DELF (diplôme d'études en langue française) and DALF (diplôme approfondi de langue française).

What kind of content can fans of the French culture find in the French Institute?

ARCHEOLOGICAL EXCAVATIONS ARE JOINTLY CARRIED OUT BY FRENCH AND CROATIAN TEAMS WHO HAVE DISCOVERED AN IVORY COMB IN MIRINE AND A PREHISTORIC SEWN BOAT IN ZAMBRATIJA, THE OLDEST EVER FOUND IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA — Bright and warm, located in the very heart of Zagreb, the French Institute has always been and is eager to remain the main meeting point for all fans of French and Francophone cultures in all their diversity. It is open to all generations and provides a lot of resources. You have access to press, literature, essays, comics, youth

albums, fiction and documentary films, music, travel guides. Over the last years we have paid particular attention to the younger audiences. We have arranged a space dedicated to video games and, since June, to virtual reality. All students can visit a Campus France info point where they can get acquainted with the French higher education system, including admission procedures and scholarship programmes. An educational resource centre is also at your disposal to learn French.

What scientific projects are in focus of the cooperation between Croatian and French universities?

— In terms of higher education and science, one of our main achievements is the joint Master’s degree in biotechnology delivered by the Universities of Zagreb and Orléans for ten years. We are confident that other universities will develop this kind of partnership too.

Another area of excellence is archaeology. As you know, the French diplomacy has a long record in supporting archaeological excavations worldwide. Four archaeological projects supported by the French Foreign Ministry are located in Croatia, from Istria to Dalmatia. These excavations are jointly carried out by French and Croatian teams and have yielded tremendous results such as the discovery of an ivory comb in Mirine (the early Christian period) and of a pre-historic sewn boat in Zambratija, the oldest ever found in the Mediterranean Sea.

— Text —

Željko Maraš

TRADITION

LOVED BY EVERYONE Ex Pluribus Unum

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here are few cultures in the world that were so successful as the French one. It emerge in what was the ancient Western periphery of Europe, and yet, since it had a geographical position connecting South and North Europe, Central and Western parts of our continent, it all blended into one attractive mix that has it all. The culture of France and of the French people has been shaped by geography, by profound historical events, and by foreign and internal forces and groups.

RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE, CONQUERED THE WORLD EASILY France, and in particular Paris, has played an important role as a center of high culture since the 17th century, first

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in Europe, and from the 19th century on, worldwide. From the late 19th century, France has also played an important role in cinema, fashion and cuisine. Who did not hear about “French lovers”, “City of Light”, where art, love, beauty, food tastes,

NOW, THE FRENCH CUISINE CAN BE UNMISTAKABLY RECOGNISED AND THE CULTURE OF DINING OUT, IN RESTAURANTS (5000 IN PARIS ALONE!) AND BISTROTS, IS COPIED AROUND THE WORLD

eveyday poetry, all mix together like a low-level neverending party? What we like about French culture is that there is no such thing like “now we are dull and serious and when a certain moment comes, we will break loose and go wild”. The French culture and customs are always a bit loose and relaxed, and always a bit serious. Yes, it sounds like normalcy, not bipolarity.

The importance of French culture has waxed and waned over the centuries, depending on its economic, political and military importance. French culture today is marked both by great regional and socioeconomic differences and by strong unifying tendencies. So, sometimes it is hard to say “What is French?”. Is it Provence, with fascinating light that attracted the Impressionists? Or it is Normandy or Brittany, which look almost like Britain? Or it

is Alsace, profoundly touch by Germanic influence? Well, everything is important. Without the French Heartland, like Agouleme or Burgogne, and strong family ties, France would not be the same place.

Without cosmopolitan cities, like Paris, Marseille or Lyon, we would forget about the fact that French Empire had a large portion of the world. Without so many different pieces of the puzzle, there would be no France we know it: Paris would not be so “rational” without Germanic Baron Hausmann, and the 1998 World Cup title would not be possible without the “poster multicultural crew” that formed the team.

After all, the nation that gave us Gothic art, Baroque and Classicism, wine in the south and beer in the north, and the relaxed attidude combined with economic superpower, is so diverse that virtually anyone can be French. Or be welcome in France. Many of us wondered how such a complicated language was accepted by Arabs and Africans, and many others. Maybe it is this: French culture, customs and people were, after or, that charming and appealing.

OUT OF MANY, ONE CUISINE There is a reason why only few cuisines in the world have such a popularity and glory. OK, how many do you instantly know? Turkish, Arabic, Indian, Spanish, Italian, Chinese… and French? Yes, we thought so. The French often mock the Brits to have “the worst food in the world”, and Turgenev deeply disliked the German cuisine in his novels. Some might say that the Protestant countries, in their constant fear of “sin” and “luxury”, self-confined themselves in the culinary endeavours, so the best cuisines come from either Catholic

CHEESE AND WINE BECAME INEXTRICABLY LINKED WITH THE FRENCH CUISINE or Orthodox countries, or non-Christian at all. Nevertheless, it is true today: France is a culinary superpower, and it is here to stay.

Well, it all started in the Middle Ages, when the influence of the Italian cuisine was prevalent. Of course, France was a “younger Romance sister” of Italy, the centre of the fallen Roman Empire. But in the 17th century, chefs François Pierre La Varenne and Marie-Antoine Carême spearheaded movements that shifted French cooking away from its foreign influences and developed France's own indigenous style.

Cheese and wine became inextricably linked with the French cuisine. Later, the fact that France has both Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, and continental and maritime tra-

ditions, united the country in the culinary way: the Gascon cuisine proliferated to the rest of France, and the other divergent influences became convergent in a merry party of all five senses to enjoy. And the vast colonial Empire, with the additional influx of Spanish, Italian and Portuguese immigrants, added the extra diversity. Many new dishes were introduced, as well as techniques.

This period is also marked by the appearance of the "Nouvelle Cuisine." In November 2010, French gastronomy was added by the UNESCO to its lists of the world's "intangible cultural heritage". Bistrot à Vin is a special place where you can drink inexpensive but superb wine, and brasseries are usually with strong influence of Alsace-Lorraine, with beer and riesling, serving choucroute and seafood dishes. Want it? Name it and you’ll get it in France!

Now, the French cuisine can be unmistakably recognised and the culture of dining out, in restaurants (5000 in Paris alone!) and bistrots, is copied around the world. And no-one copies something that is not excellent, right?

FACT

WITHOUT COSMOPOLITAN CITIES, LIKE PARIS, MARSEILLE OR LYON, WE WOULD FORGET ABOUT THE FACT THAT FRENCH EMPIRE HAD A LARGE PORTION OF THE WORLD FRANCE 2018

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CULTURE

THE SPIRIT OF GAULS IS A PHOENIX

Everybody can look French which means that everybody can feel nice in France

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THE FIRST VICTORY – I WILL LEAVE YOU WITH A NAME ONLY

THE SPIRIT OF WHICH FRANCE EXACTLY? ALL OF THEM

Everybody who wanted to portray themselves as indestructible, always used the Phoenix as their symbol, including the eponymous town in Arizona.

However, the real phoenixes here are definitely the Gaul spirit and the French. If the English are a good example of how to fuse many nations (Angles, Jutes, Saxons, Danes, Normans, Celts) into one without too much bloodshed, then the French are the typical example of a nation that resurrects itself every single time you think that they went bust. The Gauls, and their leader Vercingetorix, lost in Alesia.

Forget Asterix! Celts accepted Latin and started speaking the late version of it which, in time, turned into old French.

But did all of them do that? What about Bretagne? Didn’t Celts live there? OK. Forget Bretagne too! They came from Britain, as you can tell from their name.

All of them! Then the Franks came to conquer the already ‘chipped’ spirit of the Gauls, who had no language of their own and practiced fragmented religion.

France was named after the Franks, while, in German (and other Germanic languages) it is still called Frankreich (The Franks’ country). Back to the Gauls! Of course, they could not force the Franks to speak their language because it had died out, or force them to practice their religion because they were already Christian, but they did impose Christianity and Latin on them, which, was now called old French.

The only thing that they left the Franks with was the name of the country and the name Francois. Even today, if a word has its roots in the French language, it is called Gallicism.

Defining the French spirit is no easy feat. When I did my regular army service in Podgorica in 1998, I was a member of Centre Culturel Francais and spend my off days there when I was bored. I loved reading travel books and the books about different parts of the country. It was then that I got a shock. If, for instance you take the book called “Bretagne”, its photographs (which speak 1,000 words, obviously) remind you very much of Wales or Ireland.

IN THE 1950S AND 1960S, WE ALL FELL IN LOVE WITH BRIGITTE BARDOT, JEANPAUL BELMONDO, ALAIN DELON, AND THE FRENCH FILM, WRITERS AND EXISTENTIALISTS If you take the book “Normandie”, it will remind you of another Norman country just across the channel – England. If you flip through the book “Provence”, you might think that you are in Italy. The photographs in the book “Occitanie” are incredibly like Northern Spain. Alsace and Lorraine will undoubtedly remind you of Germany. Some naysayers will try to convince you that Burgundy or Central France (Agouleme) is actually the real France. But they are missing the point! This is not how you create the national spirit. This is not how you create a nation even. If you have a look at the DNA of the people and their features, you

will find out at least 5 different genotypes and physiognomies that make a single nation. The same is with France – physiognomy-wise everybody can be French. I was often approached abroad by people who started speaking French with me, maybe because my features are northern, and southern, and eastern, and western. This is what makes the French ‘the new Phoenixes’; what makes them strong. Everybody can look French which means that everybody can feel nice in France.

CANNOT KILL ME

You cannot kill France because you cannot kill its spirit. Many conquerors had tried to do that, elated by the idea of their own ‘racial purity’. Many thought that their moral Puritanism would break the French in wars, just like the British did in the 18th and 19th century, only to realize that that was impossible and that their disapproval of the French spontaneity, dance, signing and flirtation, which they collectively called “debauchery”, always backfired. In the end, the entire world fell in love with the French culture, and in the late 19th and early 20th century, everybody rushed to experience the new –isms, and be inspired by the Parisian joie de vivre. When the British and German culture surpassed the French at certain point in time, the French stood up gain. In the 1950s and 1960s, we all fell in love with Brigitte Bardot, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Alain Delon, and the French film, writers and existentialists. In the 1980s, the French new wave was very significant, and, in the 1990s, they brought us many novelties. In the 21st century, the French have been slacking off a little bit while resting on their laurels and being torn by the issues of integration. Regardless, no-one should doubt that the French would rise again.

HEADLINE

IN THE 21ST CENTURY, THEY SLACKED OFF A LITTLE BIT WHILE RESTING ON THEIR LAURELS, AND BEING TORN BY THE ISSUES OF INTEGRATION. REGARDLESS, NO-ONE SHOULD DOUBT THAT THE FRENCH WOULD RISE AGAIN FRANCE 2018

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TOURISM

THE CHAMPION F OF POPULARITY

France entices people of all ages with some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, world-class art and architecture, sensational food, stunning beaches, glitzy ski resorts, beautiful countryside and a staggering amount of history 36

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rance is the most popular tourist destination in the world, far exceeding any other country in popularity. But, since 2014 was the most successful year, forecasts that the country would reach 100 million tourists very soon were ruined by the prospect of terrorist attacks. However, things have started going back to normal.

The last three months of 2016 saw tourism in France rebound by nearly 4 percent, after a dramatic downturn last year that put the country’s hospitality in-

dustry on alert, according to the INSEE national statistics agency. The number of overnight stays among French nationals rose 4.3 percent in the third quarter of 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015, while stays among foreign visitors increased by 2.9 percent. INSEE said those figures offset the decline (-1.8 percent) experienced between 2015 and 2016.

SO, GO BACK TO FRANCE, GUYS Well, it all seems to be better now, although in this crazy world nothing can be 100% certain. We can start planning for another trip. But what makes France such an attractive destination for holiday makers year after year? They say there are six reasons for that. The first reason is definitely Paris. Paris is always a good idea, they say. The French capital is a huge draw for foreign visitors – over 30 million of them a year in fact - more than any other city in the world. And the reasons for that are well known - romanticism, architec-

THE FRENCH POLYNESIA, WITH BORA BORA AND TAHITI, ARE IN A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN ture, the Louvre Museum, the iconic Eiffel Tower and the simple things that make life exciting, like sitting in a charming café and observing the world and the city go by. The history of attractiveness goes a long way back for Paris, to the time when it was an artistic capital of the world. The city’s appeal is now spurred by good transport connections – trains from London, Brussels, and Amsterdam, and its relative close proximity to America, make it a great escape destination. Adult visitors enjoy their share of Paris while kids have the Euro Disneyland.

The second reason is the myriad of beaches. And this is why there aren't’t

RECORD

THE FRENCH CAPITAL IS A HUGE DRAW FOR FOREIGN VISITORS – OVER 30 MILLION OF THEM A YEAR IN FACT - MORE THAN ANY OTHER CITY IN THE WORLD FRANCE 2018

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many French beachgoers around the world. They like their own country. And they can speak French too. You can choose between the Southern Mediterranean coast, the West Atlantic windy coast (which was very popular when people were not that crazy about sunbathing), and there is the big island of Corsica. If we consider the entire French territory, than there are new destinations to explore - the Caribbean islands of Martinique, Saint-Martin, Saint-Barthélémy, and Guadeloupe. As for the African experiences, try the Indian Ocean paradise destinations of Reunion and Mayotte. The French Polynesia, with Bora Bora and Tahiti, are in a league of their own.

The third reason might be a bit obvious, but France lies at the crossroads of global routes, so you have to pass through it to reach other destinations. While you are here, why not stay a bit? The fourth reason is the countryside. As opposed to many industrialised places, where the villages are

scarce, around 80 percent of France is countryside – and most of it is stunning and tranquil. The small towns like Rene Artois's Nouvion are deeply rooted in our collective consciousness. It doesn't matter that those guys were purely fictional.

AS A DESTINATION FOR TRAVELLERS, FRANCE VIRTUALLY HAS IT ALL The fifth reason is, of course, food and wine, or beer, if you go north or northeast But ,generally, it’s wine. France is inseparable from its gastronomic and wine traditions. Many of the dishes can be considered clichés, but, what the heck?! We all dream about those clichés. Last but not least, there is art. In fact, France has some 39 sites on the UNESCO World Her-

itage list where it ranks fourth. Only Spain, China and Italy are ahead of France. The Lonely Planet's destination editor, Kate Morgan sums it all up: "As a destination for travellers, France virtually has it all. France entices people of all ages with some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, worldclass art and architecture, sensational food, stunning beaches, glitzy ski resorts, beautiful countryside and a staggering amount of history."

LESS THRIFTINESS, S'IL VOUS PLAÎT But do the figures tell the real story of France's table topping tourism industry?

One professional says the numbers are misleading, and that France needs to do more to match the success of the United States and Spain. The visitors don't spend that much, and that is the next step to tackle, namely to entice the visitors to be less thrifty.

COASTS

YOU CAN CHOOSE BETWEEN THE SOUTHERN MEDITERRANEAN COAST, THE WEST ATLANTIC WINDY COAST AND THERE IS THE BIG ISLAND OF CORSICA 38

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