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Nicolas Marquier, Regional Manager for the Western Balkans at the IFC

Financing the Future

IFC, the largest global development institution, has provided almost $1 billion in financing to Serbia’s private sector over the past six years IFC, as a...

Iosif Vangelatos, General Manager, Inos Balkan

Proud of Tripling Trade Volume

Inos Balkan already possessed extensive expertise in the recycling sector, with its collection and processing centres, while it has today transformed itself successfully to...

Aris Karousos, CEO of Eko Serbia

Drivers Know Why They Choose Eko

Two decades ago, when this company launched its operations in Serbia, the desire was for the EKO brand to become synonymous with reliability, quality...

Danilo Đurović, General Manager, Autotechnica Serbia – Hertz

Introducing Flex Drive

As part of the Autohellas Group, which has been the absolute leader of Greece’s automotive sector since 1974, Hertz is more than just a...

Nikos Veropoulos, Owner, Veropoulos

Super Vero, Super Successful

For two decades already, company Veropoulos has been known on our market for its unique offer and high-quality products at promotional prices, but also...

Nemanja Milović, Founder And Author Of The Website Klima 101 (Climate 101)

Belgrade Elections – Requiem For A Lumberjack?

Will shortages be followed by the inflation of fake warriors for the green future of Serbia? Many political leaders are racing to present themselves as environmentalists, but the green suit doesn’t suit everyone. The upcoming elections in Belgrade could be the first test verifying the credibility of the options on offer.

The topic of environmental protection is undergoing a genuine renaissance in Serbia today, and it is very good that this has finally happened. The development of technology (primarily social networks and air-quality monitoring apps) has led to the hard work of civil society organisations aimed at highlighting the decades-long negligence that exists in this area finally bearing fruit, such that the public in Serbia is now much better informed about the environmental situation. This fact, along with the mobilisation of citizens at the local level with the aim of fighting the construction of mini hydropower plants, has led to the formation of a genuine, modern ecological movement in Serbia.

A new political arena has opened, while all polls show that this issue is undoubtedly important to citizens, which is also why we see all political actors racing to express their stance and take a position. But this issue is still very new in our country, so it will be necessary for more time to pass before leaders distinguish themselves. In the meantime, there is the risk of a kind of inflation of ecological parties, and a possible populist approach to the entire issue.

When it comes to the formation of a green party in Serbia, I think we are a long way from having a serious party that is at the level of, for instance, what the Greens represent in Germany. But certain parties and movements that could be characterised as green are already operating in our country.

Fortunately for the citizens of Serbia, the environmental protection field is such that it is difficult to hide the real results of work, while at the same time this area is less politicised than all others, which means that it is harder (though not impossible) to “spin” core problems

The Ne davimo Beograd [Don’t Let Belgrade D(r)own] movement has had the characteristics of a modern green-left party since it was founded, while Nebojša Zelenović’s Together for Serbia party has made a clear shift towards “green” topics, while new political figures are also emerging, such as environmental activist Aleksandar Jovanović Ćuta. Furthermore, some of the largest opposition parties in the country presented their green platforms during the previous period.

Similarly, the takeover of the departments of energy and environmental protection, as well as media appearances, clearly indicate that the ruling party has also recognised the importance of this topic.

Fortunately for the citizens of Serbia, the environmental protection field is such that it is difficult to hide the real results of work, while at the same time this area is less politicised than all others, which means that it is harder (though not impossible) to create “spin” that diverts attention away from important things and the causes of problems. All of this should lead to genuine competition, which could really result in improving the quality of the environment in Serbia.

I believe that the potential exists for green parties in Serbia, not only because of the increased interest on the home front, but also because of the increasingly favourable situation on the international front, where the fight against climate change is becoming an extremely important issue.

However, although their development path could be faster compared to what we’ve seen in other countries, it is still essential for a certain period of time to pass in order for these ideas to mature. The campaign and results of the elections in Belgrade could provide a good indicator of how the situation could develop further, and I expect be the issues of pollution and environmental protection to be among the three main topics of the campaign.

Comment

Census Results Cause Concern

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By Iva Draškić Vićanović Ph.D., Dean of the University of Belgrade Faculty of Philology

Restore Teachers’ Dignity

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Comment by Prof. dr Slobodan Zečević

The Mirage of the European Oasis

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Plamena Halacheva, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia

Easier Access to the Western Balkans’ Single Market

The EU aims to involve Western Balkans partners with its Member States on equal terms, fostering a reform partnership that’s oriented towards the future...

CEB Grants €1.3 Billion Loans to Boost Social Sectors in 11 Countries

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Serbia Advances in Renewable Energy with Pupin Wind Park Financing

In a significant stride towards renewable energy adoption, Serbia has finalized the financial arrangements for the Pupin Wind Park,...

Đedović Handanović: Nuclear Energy in Serbia by 2039 at the Earliest

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Belgrade’s Hotel Jugoslavija Sold, Sparks Redevelopment Controversy

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Bosnia and Herzegovina Kickstarts EU Membership Talks

Bosnia and Herzegovina has initiated accession negotiations with the European Union, a development hailed as a pivotal advancement for...

CEB Grants €1.3 Billion Loans to Boost Social Sectors in 11 Countries

The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) has sanctioned loans totaling €1.3 billion for 11 member countries, including Serbia...

Belgrade University Partners with CERN on Future Circular Collider Project

The University of Belgrade has officially become part of CERN's largest scientific endeavor, the Future Circular Collider (FCC) project,...

Kushner Eyes Balkan Luxury Developments in Serbia and Albania

Jared Kushner, closely related to former U.S. President Donald Trump as his son-in-law, is turning his attention to the...

European Parliament Passes Groundbreaking AI Law

The European Parliament has adopted the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, aiming to safeguard fundamental rights, democracy, the rule of...

European Parliament Members Endorse Western Balkan Reform and Growth Instrument

Members of the European Parliament's committees on foreign affairs and budget have officially adopted a stance on the Western...

CEB Grants €1.3 Billion Loans to Boost Social Sectors in 11 Countries

The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) has sanctioned loans totaling €1.3 billion for 11 member countries, including Serbia...

Belgrade University Partners with CERN on Future Circular Collider Project

The University of Belgrade has officially become part of CERN's largest scientific endeavor, the Future Circular Collider (FCC) project,...

Kushner Eyes Balkan Luxury Developments in Serbia and Albania

Jared Kushner, closely related to former U.S. President Donald Trump as his son-in-law, is turning his attention to the...

European Parliament Passes Groundbreaking AI Law

The European Parliament has adopted the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, aiming to safeguard fundamental rights, democracy, the rule of...

European Parliament Members Endorse Western Balkan Reform and Growth Instrument

Members of the European Parliament's committees on foreign affairs and budget have officially adopted a stance on the Western...
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