US 250 Years Independence Special

July 2026

ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

INDEPENDENCE DAY OF THE UNITED STATES

HONOURING THOSE WHO BUILD PARTNERSHIPS

Alexander Titolo

Chargé d’Affaires, US Embassy Belgrade

YOUTH CAUCUS

THE FUTURE OF SERBIANAMERICAN RELATIONS LIES IN THE POTENTIAL OF YOUNG PEOPLE

by Novak Đurić

Cover photo: Shutterstock

RELATIONS

FROM A HISTORIC ALLIANCE TO AN ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP dr Nemanja Aleksić

FRIENDSHIP AWARDS

Honouring Those Who Build Partnerships Friendship Awards Highlight U.S. Embassy’s Celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary ALEXANDER TITOLO Chargé d’Affaires

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s part of the celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence, the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade presented its Embassy Friendship Awards to individuals who, according to Chargé d’Affaires Alexander Titolo, have made a lasting contribution to strengthening cooperation between Serbia and the United States.

Addressing guests at the anniversary reception held at Ložionica in Belgrade, Titolo said that this year’s milestone represents a historic moment not only for the United States but also for Serbian-American relations.

“This year is historic not only for the United States, but also for U.S.-Serbian relations. That makes this evening especially meaningful,” Titolo said, adding that instead of delivering a traditional speech, he wanted to demonstrate the progress achieved through the people who have helped build the partnership between the two countries.

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THE EMBASSY FRIENDSHIP AWARDS HONOURED INDIVIDUALS STRENGTHENING U.S.-SERBIAN COOPERATION

“When I look around this room, I see partners, colleagues and friends, each of whom has contributed in their own way to the progress we are celebrating today,” he said.

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Embassy Friendship Awards, which this year were awarded to Major Marko Drizić of the Serbian Armed Forces, Ana Ilić, Director of Ložionica, and Mihailo Jovanović, Director of Serbia’s Office for Information Technologies and eGovernment.

Major Drizić received the award in recognition of his outstanding performance at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where he earned the distinction of Super Graduate, one of the programme’s highest academic honours.

“Your service to your country and your work in strengthening the partnership between the Serbian and American armed forces make us all safer, and we

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FRIENDSHIP AWARDS

is presented “only once every 250 years, so it is truly special.”

Referring to Jovanović, who was unable to attend the ceremony, he added that together with his team, he had “built something that will last for generations.”

Concluding his remarks, Titolo said that U.S.-Serbian relations have entered a new era and expressed confidence that the strongest chapter in the bilateral partnership still lies ahead.

“Tonight, we took a few moments to recognise just some of the people who are building this new era. They show what is possible when people work together to turn ideas into results,” he said.

THE BEST YEARS OF U.S.-SERBIAN RELATIONS ARE STILL AHEAD OF US are deeply grateful for your service,” Titolo told Drizić during the ceremony.

Special recognition was also presented to Ana Ilić and Mihailo Jovanović for their contribution to the development of Ložionica.

This creative industries campus

has become the new home of the American Center in Belgrade.

Speaking about the project, Titolo noted that in less than a year the American Center at Ložionica has hosted hundreds of programmes, welcomed tens of thousands of visitors, and become

a vibrant space for learning, creativity, innovation and exchange.

“None of this would have been possible without the support and dedication of Ana Ilić and Mihailo Jovanović,” he said.

With a touch of humour, Titolo remarked that the award

“Thanks to them, and to all of you, I am convinced that the best years of U.S.-Serbian relations are still ahead of us. Thank you for your partnership, your friendship and your support, not only today, but for the future we are building together,” Titolo concluded.

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EVENTS

250 Years of Freedom U.S. Embassy Hosts Anniversary Celebration in Belgrade

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he U.S. Embassy in Belgrade today celebrated the 250th anniversary of American independence with a reception attended by Serbia’s highest-ranking officials, including President Aleksandar Vučić and Speaker of the National Assembly Ana Brnabić. Since first becoming Prime Minister and later President, Vučić has regularly attended U.S. Independence Day celebrations, except last year.

The anniversary reception, held for the first time not in the Ambassador’s Residence garden but at the Ložionica cultural centre in the Belgrade Waterfront district, was attended

by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Ivica Dačić, Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Đurić, Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović, Minister of Economy Adrijana Mesarović, Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Aleksandra Sofronijević, Minister of Education

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SERBIA’S TOP OFFICIALS JOINED THE U.S. EMBASSY IN CELEBRATING 250 YEARS OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE

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EVENTS

Dejan Vuk Stanković, Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government Suzana Paunović, and Minister of Agriculture Dragan Glamočić.

Among the distinguished guests was also Patriarch Porfirije, a regular attendee of the event. At the beginning of the ceremony, he stood in the left section of the VIP area, separated by the aisle through which the ceremonial colour guard marched. After President Vučić arrived in the right section of the VIP area, the Patriarch joined him there.

Following the parade of the ceremonial colour guard and a speech

by Chargé d’Affaires Alexander Titolo, who is leading the mission until the arrival of the new ambassador expected this autumn, the Embassy presented its Friendship Awards to Serbian Armed Forces Major Marko Drižić, Ložionica Director Ana Ilić, and Mihailo Jovanović, Director of the Office for IT and eGovernment. In presenting the awards, Titolo said the recipients had helped build something that would endure for generations.

The reception was also attended by members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of Serbia’s media, cultural, and public life. In the courtyard of Ložionica, guests could enjoy hamburgers and other classic American specialities.

THE EMBASSY’S FRIENDSHIP AWARDS HONOURED INDIVIDUALS ADVANCING SERBIAN-AMERICAN COOPERATION

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CORPORATE

country’s current wine scene is like a vibrant mosaic, offering exceptional diversity. This perfectly matches the expectations of today’s guests, who are looking for authentic and distinctive experiences, high-quality food and wine pairings tailored to smaller groups, and a more personalised approach. At the same time, they value comfort and the ease of planning their visit, which is why we strive to bring all of these elements together in one place.

A Serbian-American family story that blends winemaking tradition, contemporary hospitality, and a vision for unforgettable wine and business experiences in the heart of Serbia NENAD ĐORĐEVIĆ Djordjevic Estate Winery

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jordjević Estate Winery is a new name on Serbia’s wine map, but one built on deep family roots, a passion for winemaking, and international business experience.

Located in the heart of Šumadija, the estate brings together centuries of local viticultural tradition, contemporary hospitality, and a vision that extends beyond wine to include gastronomy and corporate events. In this interview, the family behind the winery shares how American entrepreneurial experience helped shape their project in Serbia, why authentic experiences matter more than ever, and how they see the future of wine tourism and business hospitality.

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Your winery is the result of a Serbian-American family story.

How much did your experience in the United States influence your decision to create a wine destination like this in Serbia?

As a family, we have spent decades working in insurance and risk management for the hospitality industry in the United States.

Hence, this is the first time we have found ourselves on the other side of the equation, welcoming guests to a place that bears our family name. For us, this is both a

calling and an exciting challenge: to provide every visitor with an exceptional experience. We are confident that guests from Serbia and abroad will recognise and appreciate that commitment.

How does Djordjević Estate Winery combine Serbia’s rich winemaking tradition with a contemporary approach to hospitality and the experiences today’s guests expect?

Serbia has a remarkably rich winemaking tradition, and the

MODERN WINERIES ARE EVOLVING INTO DESTINATIONS WHERE WINE, GASTRONOMY, AND BUSINESS NATURALLY COME TOGETHER.

The 250th anniversary of the United States provides an opportunity to reflect on the values that connect our two countries. Would you say that entrepreneurship, family business, and a willingness to innovate are common threads in both the American and Serbian success stories?

When the Founding Fathers established the United States 250 years ago, they knew they were creating something entirely new. At the same time, they drew on the most enduring values of classical civilisation and antiquity, building the foundations of a new nation on principles they believed would best secure its future. Serbia, too, has a rich history and tradition that continue to inspire our vision for the future. Our two countries are also connected by a long history of trade and by the immense potential for even stronger economic and commercial cooperation in the years ahead. We are proud to play a small part in that much larger story.

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Photo: Djordjevic Estate Winery

Where Heritage Meets Innovation

In addition to wine production, you are also developing a venue for corporate events. What can a modern winery offer companies looking to organise meetings, conferences, or team-building events in a different setting?

First, we offer a state-of-the-art conference room equipped with the latest audiovisual technology, comfortably accommodating up to 24 participants. This ensures that your entire team can be seen and heard clearly during Microsoft Teams or Zoom meetings, wherever they are in the world. Second, our location is ideal. Situated in the heart of Serbia, directly on the motorway and within easy reach of three international airports, Belgrade, Niš, and Kraljevo, we provide a setting and a range of services that are fully tailored to our clients’ business objectives.

OUR STORY When Centuries of Tradition Meet the Vision of the Future

Djordjevic Estate Winery d.o.o.

Lapovo, Serbia

by Novak Đurić

YOUTH CAUCUS

The Future of Serbian-American Relations Lies in the Potential of Young People Geographical location, natural resources, influence on the regional and global economy, the strength of entrepreneurship, the development of new technologies...

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THE GREATEST WEALTH OF ANY NATION LIES IN ITS YOUNG PEOPLE

Photo: Marko Milev

here is one strategic element that serves as the prerequisite for all the others. It is the one that is rarely stated explicitly in national, global, or strategic studies, yet ultimately judges them all.

It skillfully avoids the center of public discourse, remaining at its margins whenever it does appear.

Yet for thoughtful analysts and practitioners, it represents both the beginning and the end of any serious consideration of ideas and the lives they take on once they become part of everyday reality.

That element is time.

It is the only resource that silently precedes every event, every success, and every failure recorded in the pages of world history. No matter how long life may last, the time that has already passed remains forever beyond our reach. Through the narrow cracks of our existence, we may occasionally catch a glimpse of it—but only a glimpse. With every new day, a new world is born, however slightly different from the one before.

This brings us to the question that shapes my understanding of international relations, of a rapidly changing world, and of the place within it of my country to which I belong with all my heart: What should we do today so that the time ahead becomes an era of genuine peace and prosperity, of human flourishing, and of pushing the boundaries of what humanity can achieve?

Now in my twenties, I have found my answer in Youth Caucus (Serbian-American Youth Club), an organization I founded after being inspired by studying the United States in a way that is too often overlooked in public discourse. This absence strengthens stereotypes and creates space for

populism while allowing demanding—but immensely valuable— opportunities to pass by. Their realization would contribute to the advancement of every socio-economic sector of Serbia in accordance with both its immediate and long-term strategic interests.

I realized long ago that the greatest wealth of any nation lies in its young people. The true measure of that wealth is found in the opportunities society creates for them.

We will never know what lies ahead unless we are willing to take the next step. We will never discover what we are capable of unless, alongside our faith in personal achievement and service to our communities, we also possess the knowledge, skills, and opportunities necessary to turn our aspirations into reality.

Having grown up in the town of Vranje, I know firsthand how much determination is required for young people to gain access to opportunities that are far more readily available to their peers in Belgrade and other major cities.

Yet during my university years, which are now drawing to a close, one experience profoundly transformed my perspective and strengthened my determination to contribute to the academic and professional development of young people across Serbia. It began with an invitation from Professor Dragan Živojinović to attend lectures at the Center for United States Studies at the Faculty of Political Science, and reached its pinnacle with a lecture delivered in December 2023 by Professor William C. McCoy, one of America’s leading scholars of ethics and moral philosophy.

Studying the United States offers an entirely new perspective on the contemporary liberal

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YOUTH CAUCUS

THE ADVANCEMENT OF SERBIAN-AMERICAN RELATIONS OFFERS SERBIA AN OPPORTUNITY FOR TRANSFORMATION AND PROGRESS ON A TRULY HISTORIC SCALE together not only young participants but also people I deeply admire: my professors, colleagues, collaborators, and friends from both Serbia and the United States, as well as the person with whom I now envision my own future in

ways I could never have imagined before.

Through learning about the United States, its contribution to the modern world, entrepreneurship, the importance of ethics in every sphere of society, ethical

decision-making, and the history of Serbian-American relations, participants in our initiatives have reached a simple but transformative realization: the more they learn about America, the more possibilities they discover for shaping their own futures—and, more importantly, the clearer they become about what they themselves must do to achieve them.

That realization is more than a turning point in Serbian-American relations. It is a turning point in the life of a young person capable of transforming his or her own community, just as many of the greatest figures in both American and Serbian history transformed theirs through patriotism, public service, and humanity.

Today, although only one year old, the Youth Caucus has already established a unique precedent.

Through thoughtful reflection on the economic, social and political transformations that have shaped Serbian-American relations across three centuries, young people themselves increasingly recognize why improving those relations today—and preserving them for future generations—is of extraordinary importance. The 250th anniversary of the United States serves as a timely reminder of precisely that responsibility.

The advancement of SerbianAmerican relations offers Serbia an opportunity for transformation and progress on a truly historic scale. The driving force behind that transformation is, and will always be, the young people of our country. They are the reason this organization was founded, and they are the reason it will continue to exist.

Photo: Public Relations Office, Faculty of Political Sciences, University of Belgrade

international order that many of us seek to preserve—an order whose principal architect has been the United States itself.

The natural foundation of Serbian-American relations is reflected not only in our alliance during the World Wars, in the remarkable respect shown toward Serbia by senior American statesmen throughout the nineteenth and the first half of the twentieth century, or in the admiration expressed by some of Serbia’s greatest scientists and writers during the life of our bilateral relations.

It is reflected in something even more fundamental.

If we were to close our eyes and imagine the future we wish for our youngest generations—a future defined by opportunity, dignity, and fulfillment—we would inevitably envision a path remarkably similar to the American Dream and to the vision of the Founding Fathers of the United States, who enshrined the pursuit of happiness as one of the fundamental principles upon which their nation was built.

Believing that young people should continuously develop the skills, values, and practical tools necessary to build stable careers, meaningful lives, and the confidence to pursue their ambitions, I founded Youth Caucus with the mission of strengthening the role of young people in advancing Serbian-American relations.

Beyond the change the organization has already achieved—and the much greater change it hopes to achieve in the years ahead— my greatest source of joy is that this initiative today has brought

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RELATIONS

250 YEARS OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE

From a Historic Alliance to an Economic Partnership Few anniversaries transcend the borders of a single nation in the way the 250th anniversary of American independence does.

DR NEMANJA ALEKSIĆ Lawyer

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t is not merely a milestone for one country but an opportunity to reflect on how the principles enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution have shaped the political, economic, and technological development of the modern world. Over the past two and a half centuries, the United States has not only built one of the world’s most stable democracies and largest economies. Still, it has also become a symbol of innovation, entrepreneurship, and a society capable of attracting talent from across the globe.

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America’s success has never been solely the result of its geography or abundant natural resources. It has been built on strong institutions, the rule of law, the protection of private property, open markets, and a willingness to embrace new ideas. These foundations have enabled American companies, universities, and research institutions to remain among the world’s most influential for decades. At the same time, the U.S. economy has served as a driving force of global growth.

The American experience demonstrates that long-term economic prosperity rests on legal certainty, a predictable business environment, and trust

in public institutions. The rule of law, the protection of contractual and intellectual property rights, effective institutions, and market competition create the conditions in which innovation flourishes, investment is attracted, and sustainable economic growth is achieved. For this reason, the American model of development continues to serve as an important source of inspiration for countries seeking to build competitive economies.

For Serbia, this anniversary carries an additional symbolic significance. Relations between Serbia and the United States have a long history, marked by periods of close cooperation, mutual respect, and shared challenges. Our

two nations stood as allies in both World Wars, united in their commitment to the ideals of freedom and resistance against aggression during some of history’s most difficult moments.

One of the brightest chapters of that alliance is undoubtedly Operation Halyard, the largest rescue mission of Allied airmen behind enemy lines during the Second World War. Thanks to the courage of the members of the Yugoslav Army in the Homeland and the selfless support of the people of western Serbia, more than five hundred American and Allied airmen were rescued. The operation remains a lasting symbol of trust, humanity, and friendship between the Serbian and

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RELATIONS

American peoples, reminding us that at decisive moments in history, the two nations stood on the same side.

The friendship between our countries has not been built solely on shared sacrifices in times of war. It has also been shaped by individuals whose achievements left an enduring mark on American society. Mihajlo Pupin was one of the most distinguished scientists of his era and also used his influence to promote a better understanding of Serbia in the United States. Nikola Tesla, one of history’s greatest inventors, achieved his most significant scientific breakthroughs in America, forever transforming the way the world generates and uses electricity. Their life stories demonstrate that the greatest advances in science and innovation are made when ideas know no borders.

History opens the door to friendship between nations, but it does not keep that door open forever. Every generation has a responsibility to find new reasons for cooperation. Today, the strength of international relations is measured less by the number of joint statements issued and more by the number of shared projects, investments, technological achievements, and opportunities that deliver tangible benefits to the citizens of both countries.

The modern economy has ushered in a new form of competition among nations. Today, success is determined not only by natural resources or industrial output, but by the ability to develop new technologies and artificial intelligence, the quality of universities, the protection of intellectual property, and the speed at which knowledge is transformed into products and services. Economic security has become an integral part of national security, while partnerships built on trust are more important than ever.

The United States continues to be a global leader in most of these areas. Its economy accounts for approximately one quarter of global gross domestic product. At the same time, the world’s largest technology companies, leading universities, premier research institutions, and the largest venture capital market are all based in the United States. This unique environment has enabled new ideas to be rapidly transformed into products, companies, and technologies that change the world.

At the same time, Serbia has been developing its own competitive advantages. A more stable business environment, the strong growth of its IT sector, a highly skilled engineering workforce, and an increasingly dynamic innovation ecosystem have positioned the country as a reliable partner in the fields of the digital economy, software development, and advanced technologies.

ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP IS THE STRONGEST MEASURE OF TRUST The strongest measure of the relationship between two countries is not the number of joint statements issued by their officials, but the willingness of companies to invest, create jobs, and remain in a market for decades.

The presence of more than 650 American companies employing over 40,000 people in Serbia is one of the clearest indicators of confidence, demonstrating that the business community often recognises the potential for partnership before politics does.

American investment in Serbia has long outgrown the traditional relationship between investor and market. It has become part of a broader process of economic modernisation through the introduction of new technologies, the improvement of production processes, the development of local supplier networks, and the adoption of international business standards. In this way, investment creates lasting value that extends well beyond the completion of individual projects.

The experience of advanced economies shows that capital is most likely to flow where there is a predictable business environment, legal certainty, and clear rules of the game. For this reason, economic relations between Serbia and the United States should not be viewed solely in terms of investment value or the volume of bilateral trade, but also in terms of developing long-term trust, which forms the foundation of every successful partnership.

American technology companies such as Microsoft, Oracle, NCR Voyix, Cisco, IBM, AMD, and

DXC Technology have worked with Serbian engineers, universities, and the country’s IT sector for many years, contributing to the growth of the digital economy and strengthening Serbia’s innovation capacity. At the same time, companies including Coca-Cola HBC, Ball Corporation, Goodyear, and Johnson Electric stand as examples of long-term investment in manufacturing, the development of local supply chains, and the creation of highquality jobs.

At the same time, economic cooperation between Serbia and the United States is becoming increasingly diverse. Alongside traditional industrial investment, growing importance is being placed on information and communication technologies, software development, business services, logistics, research and development, and innovation centres that connect Serbian professionals with global markets. This evolving structure of cooperation strengthens the economy’s resilience and creates opportunities for sustainable, long-term growth.

HISTORY CREATED THE ALLIANCE. INNOVATION WILL SHAPE ITS FUTURE Serbia’s highly skilled engineering workforce, competitive IT sector, and well-developed network of science and technology parks and innovation centres represent a significant opportunity.

Combined with the experience, capital, and technological expertise of American companies, these strengths provide a solid foundation for partnerships that go beyond investment alone, focusing instead on the joint development of new products, services, and technologies.

Perhaps even more importantly, the nature of these investments is changing. The focus is shifting away from traditional manufacturing towards software development, engineering, research, business services, and knowledge centres. This demonstrates that Serbia is no longer merely an investment destination but a partner capable of contributing to high-value collaborative projects. Such partnerships form the

backbone of the modern economy, where competitiveness is built not only on capital, but also on knowledge, innovation, and the ability to develop solutions for global markets.

Trade between Serbia and the United States continues to grow year after year, while cooperation is expanding into the sectors that will shape the global economy in the decades ahead. This evolving partnership provides a strong foundation for further strengthening bilateral trade, joint investment, and technological cooperation.

The historic alliance between Serbia and the United States is taking on a new meaning. Today, trust is built not on the battlefield, but through joint projects, investment, academic cooperation, and technological development. This is the natural evolution of a relationship between two nations that share a history of mutual respect and a common interest in shaping the economic and technological transformations of the twentyfirst century.

EXPO 2027 in Belgrade will be far more than an international exhibition. It will provide an opportunity for the global business community, research institutions, and innovators to connect through tangible projects and partnerships. For Serbia and the United States, it has the potential to mark a new chapter in economic cooperation, founded on knowledge, technology, and shared investment.

For Serbia, the celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence is more than a tribute to the history of a friendly nation. It is also an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to strengthening economic, scientific, and technological ties with a country that continues to set global standards in innovation and development.

The historic alliance between Serbia and the United States provides a strong foundation for our bilateral relationship. Memories of the past will not measure its true value, but rather our ability to create new opportunities together for business, science, innovation, and future generations. That is the enduring purpose of every great anniversary: to remind us of what we have achieved together, while inspiring us even more by what we can accomplish together in the years ahead.

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WORLD POPULATION DAY

by UNFPA

A FUTURE WITHOUT BARRIERS:

What Shapes Young People’s Decisions?

World Population Day Marked in Serbia

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SUCCESSFUL DEMOGRAPHIC POLICIES ARE THOSE THAT EXPAND PEOPLE’S OPPORTUNITIES.”

UNFPA, intensifying work on the Demographic Development Strategy for 2026 to 2036, with projections extending to 2050.

“Successful demographic policies are those that expand people’s opportunities. When young people see prospects for the future, when families receive the support they need, and when everyone can make informed decisions about their lives, societies become stronger and more resilient,” said Matilde Mordt, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Serbia.

Borka Jeremić, Head of the UNFPA Office in Serbia, highlighted that the results of the global survey provide valuable evidence to inform the design of youthfocused policies at the local level.

“This survey offers important insight into what young people truly want and the obstacles they face when planning their future and parenthood. Although the global findings will be presented next week, we are pleased that today’s event in Belgrade has

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Photo: UNFPA

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he Ministry of Family Welfare and Demography of the Republic of Serbia and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Serbia marked World Population Day today with a joint event under the slogan “A Future Without Barriers: What Shapes Young People’s Decisions?”

This year’s observance was inspired by UNFPA’s new global report and survey examining young people’s decisions about relationships, parenthood, and the future.

The survey was conducted among people aged 18 to 39 across 73 countries and territories, including Serbia and 10 others in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. While the global findings will be officially presented in New York on 7 July, marking World Population Day, today’s event in Belgrade provided an opportunity to open a dialogue among representatives of government institutions, international organisations, experts, and young people about the factors shaping young people’s decisions and how society can better support them in achieving their aspirations.

Minister of Family Welfare and Demography Jelena Žarić Kovačević emphasised the importance of a strategic state response to the needs of young people: “Our task as policymakers and decision-makers is not to make decisions on behalf of young people, but to inspire them and create conditions in which their decisions become easier, safer, and more certain. The state must be a true partner to young people by listening to them, understanding them, and supporting them in fulfilling their potential.”

The Minister added that, at the initiative of the Ministry of Family Welfare and Demography, the Council for Family and Demography, chaired by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, had adopted a comprehensive Analysis of the Demographic Situation in the Republic of Serbia and recommended, with the significant support of

WORLD POPULATION DAY

already initiated an important discussion on how Serbia can better support young people in realising their plans according to their own wishes and choices.”

THE DESIRE FOR PARENTHOOD REMAINS STRONG, BUT DECISIONS DEPEND ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, INSTITUTIONAL, AND PERSONAL FACTORS The opening remarks were followed by a panel discussion featuring Ivana Antonijević, Assistant Minister for Youth at the Ministry of Tourism and Youth; Prof. Dr Mirjana Rašević, Corresponding Member of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts and member of the Council for Family and Demography; Milena Nikolov,

Regional People and Culture Business Partner for Southeast Europe at IKEA; and Jovan Ćuk, Coordinator of the Youth Office of the Municipality of Bečej, Serbia’s first Youth Capital for 2027.

The discussion focused in particular on the phenomenon known as the “fertility gap”, referring to the difference between the

number of children young people wish to have and the number they ultimately have. Participants noted that preliminary findings indicate that many respondents aged 35 to 39, the oldest group in the survey, have not yet achieved their desired family size.

The panel concluded that these findings confirm that the desire for

parenthood and family remains strong, but that decisions about having children are influenced by a wide range of economic, social, institutional, and personal factors.

Participants agreed that continued joint efforts are needed to create a supportive environment that enables people to realise their personal and family aspirations.

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by Dragan Nikolić

CULTURAL INTERVIEW

The Art of Becoming Stefan Milenković on music as a lifelong journey, the irreplaceable value of human connection, and why the greatest performance is always the next one.

US 250 YEARS A OF INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL STEFAN MILEKOVIĆ The Violinist

fter more than three decades of an international career, what inspires you most to step onto the stage today? Has your relationship with music and your audience changed as you have matured as an artist?

Yes, three decades... Actually, four.

I began my professional career at age 8, and by 9, I was already on a major concert tour, so it all started very early. Naturally, that relationship changes over time. We change as people; our relationship with music evolves; our skills develop; our command of the instrument deepens; and, as a result, our artistic expression changes as well. Just as we go through different stages in life, all of that is reflected in music.

The violin, and I would say classical music in general, is a profound and remarkably hon-

July 2026

drives us over the long term. A career is a process, not a destination.

Inspiration and motivation are relatively short-lived. No one dedicates decades of their life to something with such commitment and sacrifice simply because they happen to feel inspired or motivated at a particular moment.

What sustains us is, above all, a vision. It is what we call a calling rather than a profession. A calling means that something has called upon you to become who you are.

Not merely to make music, but to be a musician. I am a violinist and a musician. It is not simply what I do; it is who I am. Every time I step onto the stage, I carry with me the result of decades of work, and every performance brings a new sense of excitement. Whether we are performing a work we have known for years or one we are preparing for the very first time, every concert presents a new challenge.

Each day we wake up in a different state of mind, which is why

est mirror of life. The violin is an extraordinarily demanding instrument, and precisely because of that, it becomes a reflection of our personality and everything we experience throughout our lives. Those changes inevitably become visible at different stages of our journey. When it comes to inspiration, I think it is important to distinguish it from what truly

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the same piece never sounds the same. We are always striving toward an ideal of expression, an ideal of performance, knowing full well that it is almost impossible to attain completely. That very process is what inspires me. The constant pursuit of something better, of an ideal that we may never fully reach, is what continually drives us forward.

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Photo: Nebojša Babić

A CAREER IS A PROCESS, NOT A DESTINATION