Issue No. 201 Friday, March 04 - Thursday, March 17, 2016 ORDER DELIVERY TO Charles’ visit Pedal power Guitar Art YOUR DOOR +381 11 4030 303 puts spotlight activists Festival - an [email protected] - ISSN 1820-8339 1 on old royal seek bike-friendly eclectic BELGRADE INSIGHT IS PUBLISHED BY 0 1 alliance city mix

Page 5 Page 9 Page 10 9 7 7 1 8 2 0 8 3 3 0 0 0 Even when the Democrats longas continue to likely is This also are negotiations Drawn-out Surely the situation is urgent German Many of us who have experi - We feel in-the-know because bia has shown us that (a.) no single no (a.) that us shown has bia party or coalition will ever gain the governa - form to required majority negotiations political (b.) and ment, will never be quickly concluded. achieved their surprising result at last month’s general election, quickly it became clear that the - re sult was actually more-or-less the result election other every as same in Serbia, i.e. inconclusive. as Serbia’s politicians form new political parties every time disagree with they their current party - reg 342 currently are (there leader political parties in Serbia). istered the norm. One Ambassador Belgrade-based recently told me he was also alarmed by the distinct lack of urgency among politicians. Serbian “The country is standstill at and a I don’t understand their logic. If they are so eager to progress towards the EU and en - theycome how investors, courage go home at 5pm sharp and don’t work weekends?” overtime. little a warrant to enough EDITOR’S WORD Predictability Political By Mark R. Pullen elections Serbian numerous enced rate ourselves as pundits when it comes to predicting election - re sults and post-election moves. our experience of elections in Ser Balkans brace for giant’s - - - arrivalNEWS stirs hope and migrant crisis shifts NEWS As northern Eu- fears in “The situation in the party seems “Dacic will eventually side with Nikolic agreed: “The question is Fearing they might not cross the Pensioners leader, Jovan Krkoba - The reported price is the post of In addition, the Socialists are bar Tadic has denied talk of horse- At the same time, Dacic seems re - reach an agreement “If we don’t Source: Balkan Insight (www.balkaninsight.com) Balkan Insight (www.balkaninsight.com) Source: rope changes it Serbia party over which way to turn. extremely complicated, as we try to convince the few remaining lag - gards that we need to move out of one Socialist shadow,” Milosevic’s Party official complained. in a bid to guide his party into Tadic the European mainstream, but much of the membership and many offi - cials may oppose that move.” will the party split or ‘old- back down,” he noted. timers’ threshold to enter parlia - 5-per-cent ment, the Socialists teamed up with Association of Pensioners and the the led by business - United Serbia Party, man Dragan Markovic “Palma”. bic, Palma and Dacic are all pushing for a deal with the Democrats. of deputy PM, with a brief in charge security for the Socialist leader. gaining for other ministries, includ - ing capital investments, Kosovo and education, Belgrade media reported. trading with the Socialists, maintain - ing that ministries would go only to those committed to working for the “strategic goal”. government’s negotiations with luctant to call off the nationalists. with the DSS and Radicals, par ty leadership will decide on future steps”, Dacic announced, following par new country’s of session first the liament on Wednesday. policies towards While the migrants, Bal- government hails page 10 kan countries a major planned cooperate and investment by prepare for new Tönnies in Serbia, hile the football world watch - es events unfold at the Euro - However, a strong current also However, Mihajlo Markovic, a founder of Markovic, a prominent supporter Some younger Socialist officials Neighbourhood Matters faces extinction unless it changes. flows in the opposite direction, led by party veterans enraged the Tadic. prospect of a deal with recently warned of a crisis the party, if Dacic opts for the pro-European “nat - bloc, abandoning the Socialists’ ural” ideological partners. of Milosevic during the 1990s, is seen as representative of the “old- timers” in the party who want to stay policies, true to the former regime’s even though these almost ruined the Socialists for good. have voiced frustration over the con - tinuing impasse within their own Football Rebellion Football pean Championships in Austria and pean Championships in Switzerland, Bosnia is experiencing led by fans, play - a soccer rebellion, enraged ers and former stars who are by what they see as corrupt leaders football association of the country’s leaders. W challenges. small farmers June 13, 2008 Issue No. 1 / Friday, and some experts BIRN Team insist the news is page 5 alkan interior ministers agreed to new migration not all good. guidelines in Zagreb on February 24th, following Saša DRAGOJLO the Austrian decision to Nemanja RUJEVIĆ conomists are warning that pro - over Serbia’s uncertainty longed “This year has been lost, from the slash the quota for mi- After eight years of stagnation, the pro-European and nation - With Nikolic believes the Socialists, led “The group of younger Socialists Business Insight Costs Mounting future could scare off investors, lead investors, lead future could scare off to higher inflation and jeopardise prosperity for years to come. says standpoint of economic policy,” Econom - the of Stamenkovic Stojan ics Institute in Belgrade. to Serbia’s late president, Slobodan to Serbia’s Milosevic, and reformists who want the party to become a modern Euro - pean social democrat organisation. the Socialists returned to centre stage after winning 20 of the 250 seats in elections. parliament in the May 11 alist blocs almost evenly matched, the Socialists now have the final say on the fate of country. by Ivica Dacic, will come over to if only out of a pragmatic de - Tadic, sire to ensure their political survival. gathered around Dacic seems to be adding said, Nikolic majority”, the in that these reformists believe the party grantsB to 3,200 a day which resulted in he long-awaited invest- E a dramatic drop in the number of mi- ment in Serbia by Ger- grants crossing the southern Macedo- many’s leading meat nian border. producer, Tönnies, fi- As part of the new rules, the police nally appears at hand Friday • June 13 2008 chiefs of Austria, Croatia, Macedonia, after company owner Slovenia and Serbia agreed to organize TClemens Tönnies confirmed plans to the joint transport of migrants from the invest €300 million over five years in Macedonia-Greece border to Austria. Serbia after a meeting with Prime Min- THIS ISSUE OF

ister Aleksandar Vučić in Belgrade on Belgrade Insight

rd BY: IS SUPPORTED February 23 . on a new gov - ense negotiations ernment have divided the ranks “It looks as if the Socialists will Simultaneous negotiations held This divides “old-timers” loyal Socialist leader Ivica Dacic remains the Serbian kingmaker Socialist leader Ivica Dacic remains Lure of Tadic Alliance Splits Socialists Tadic Lure of government, old pro-EU While younger Socialists support joining a new, over the prospect. revolt Milosevic loyalists threaten in Belgrade By Rade Maroevic Vučić announced that in the first which holds of the Socialist Party, of the balance power between the blocs and has yet to announce main which side they will support. move towards a government led by the Democrats,” political analyst Mi - lan Nikolic, of the independent Cen - tre of Policy Studies, said. “But such a move might provoke deeper divi - sions and even split the party.” with the pro-European and national - ist blocs have drawn attention to a deep rift inside the Socialists. T Continued on page 2 Refugees at the Greek-Macedonian border. Photo: Anadolu Agency phase the company aims to breed and produce 700,000 to 800,000 pigs a year in Serbia, later rising to as many as 4 million and providing thousands of new jobs. Serbian church spars for Vučić and Tönnies have yet to dis- close key details of the plan, such as the locations of the new pig farms, saying they will be worked out once the agree- its assets in Montenegro ment is formalized. While government officials and New dispute between the government and the Ser- former chapel royal of the Petrović dy- The row is a sign of further trouble to some businessmen hail the promised nasty. come if parliament adopts a new Law investment as an opportunity for Ser- bian Orthodox Church in Montenegro over a for- "We have appealed the verdict in the on Freedom of Religion, which Milo bia to get badly-needed cash, boost mer royal chapel has fuelled old political tensions. Higher Court. We regularly practice Đukanović’s government proposed last industrial output and cut unemploy- our liturgies in St Demetrius chapel", June. ment, opposition politicians, some ex- the Serbian Orthodox Church rector of Elaborating on its decision to seize perts and small farmers fear that the church of St Demetrius in the centre of Podgorica, Velibor Džomić, told BIRN. the chapel, the court said the ruling arrival of the German meat-producing Predrag MILIĆ the capital, Podgorica, to the state. The Serbian Church acquired it al- accorded with a current law on state giant will wipe out the country’s own After a three-year dispute between most a century ago, when Montenegro property, which stipulates that all the small pig farms and have a negative en- ontenegro’s gov- the government and Church over own- lost its sovereignty and was forcibly property of the former royal family, in- vironmental impact. ernment and the ership of ecclesiastical property, the joined to the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats cluding the royal chapel, belongs to the Tönnies said that while details of his Serbian Orthodox court in a repeat proceeding gave the and Slovenes. state. business venture will be released in Church, SPC, are Church two weeks to implement the Church officials announced previ- June, the company was already engag- in a new standoff ruling. ously that they would appeal against ing local workers for training. after the Church As the deadline expired, the Church the first-instance ruling but it is unclear Mignored a recent ruling to hand over the still seemed to be holding on to the whether they have done so. Continued on page 8 Continued on page 7

+381 11 4030 306 [email protected] 2 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, March 04 - Thursday, March 17, 2016 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, March 04 - Thursday, March 17, 2016 3 SERBIA SERBIA Continued from page 1 Serbian Balkans brace for PM on course migrant crisis shifts for election

enior police officials from else is there for a country like Monte- Macedonia, Serbia, Croa- negro to do," Đukanović told Reuters, landslide tia, Slovenia and Austria attending the conference of the Euro- said that control of the re- pean Bank for Reconstruction and De- gion's borders is crucial to velopment in London. ew opinion polls from extreme-right Serbian Radical Party, led prevent illegal entry, while "Of course" Montenegro would have Latest polls show Factor Plus polling by Vojislav Šešelj, which is on 6 per cent. Sallowing through those who have the to shut its borders, he said, if Macedonia agency show that Two other blocs, a conservative anti- right to seek asylum in EU countries. shut its frontier with Greece and further that Serbian Prime Minister's Alek- NATO coalition linking the Democratic Serbian police director Vladimir north countries such as Hungary and sandar Vučić's Serbian Party of Serbia and Dveri, and a centrist Rebić says "we didn't discuss quotas, Austria tightened their own border re- Prime Minister Progressive Party is on group of parties led by former Demo- but how to prevent misuse." He warns strictions. Ncourse for a landslide win in the next cratic Party leader Boris Tadić and Aleksandar uncontrolled migrant flows present a On February 10th, Montenegro's gov- parliament. Čedomir Jovanović, are hovering just security risk. ernment instructed relevant agencies Vučić's Vucic called early elections on April above the 5-per-cent threshold needed Austria said it would now only ac- to prepare plans on how to cope with 24th on March 1st, describing them as "a to enter parliament. cept refugees whose identity can be refugees if they start passing through Progressive Party referendum on whether Serbia wants to Recent attempts by the opposition to proven, who are seeking asylum in that Adriatic country on their way to- be a modern European country in 2020, create united front against Vučić have Austria or Germany and who do not wards West Europe. The authorities is on course for a whether it wants the future or the past". failed, opening the way for the Progres- represent a security risk and have no said the country is preparing capacities Polls show the party enjoys the sup- sives to win the two-thirds majority criminal record. to take in some 2,000 migrants. thumping win in port of almost half the electorate - 49 per they want, which they narrowly missed Police in each country will guarantee Montenegro can be accessed from cent. Five other blocs and parties have a achieving in the last elections, when the passage of migrants within their Albania, Serbia and Kosovo through elections called good chance of entering parliament. they won 158 of the 250 seats. countries' limits. Officials of all five mountains where the winters are harsh. th According to the same polls, another "We are looking at big challenges countries will also profile migrants. The country's border with Croatia for April 24 . 11.3 per cent voters back the Progres- ahead. They are not easy but if we all They say joint profiling of migrants is only 22-kilometres long, also moun- sives' junior coalition partner, the So- stay united together we can deliver on is necessary to determine who can tainous and not easy to cross. cialistic Party of Serbia, led by Foreign that," Vučić said. proceed. They have agreed to work Minister Ivica Dačić, which would give The Prime Minister said he hoped the together to establish a flow of migrants BULGARIA FORTIFIES these two a combined 60 per cent. economy in the struggling country will along the route that will ease the pres- The opposition parties are trailing pick up this year from the modest 0.8 sure at the border between Greece and The Bulgarian government strength- far behind in single digits. According to per cent growth rate seen in 2015 - and Macedonia. ened its commitment to fortify the Factor Plus, the once governing Demo- that unemployment - now down to 16.7 The tighter entry rules by the Bal- country’s southern borders amid fears cratic Party has the support of only 6.4 per cent from 20.9 per cent in 2014 - will kan countries have slowed down the that after countries along the so-called per cent of the voters, just ahead of the continue to fall. Polls show Vučić’s party enjoys the support of almost half the electorate - 49 per cent. Photo: Beta movement along the route, leaving Balkan route had started shutting their thousands of migrants stranded in ter- borders for the majority of refugees and rible conditions on the border between migrants, the influx will be redirected to Macedonia and Greece. Bulgaria. The changes also have some Balkan On February 18th Bulgarian parlia- countries concerned that the new rules ment decided unanimously to al- will overwhelm their ability to handle low army forces to guard the borders the flow of migrants and are developing against increased migration along with stricter policies to cope with the shifts. the border police. Before that, they were providing only logistical support SERBIAN CONCERNS to the police. Bulgarian ministers of interior and Serbia fears the refugees will pile up defence stressed that the army will join in their country, on the edge of the EU. border patrols only in cases of emer- After Austria said it will refuse entry gency. Refugees at a makeshift camp along the Greek-Macedonian border in Idomeni village, Greece. Photo: Anadolu Agency to migrants seeking to pass through to In 2016, 2809 foreigners have applied Scandinavia, Radoš Đurović, head of Some 1,000 migrants are now stuck piling up on the Greek side and heading closure of the Balkan route due to the for asylum in Bulgaria, mostly from Iraq the Centre for Protection and Help for in Serbia, including 600 people who for the border with Macedonia. limits introduced by Austria. (958 asylum claims), Afghanistan (688 Asylum seekers in Serbia, told BIRN were sent back from Croatia. Police and the army have also in- asylum claims) and Syria (2018 asy- that NGOs fear Serbia will become a However, some of the Syrian refu- creased their presence at the border in MONTENEGRO PREPARES lum claims), latest numbers of the State refugee "buffer zone" for EU countries. gees with new paperwork were still un- an attempt to prevent another possible BORDER CLOSURES Agency for the Refugees, show. “Serbia is in the worst situation of all able to cross to Croatia, adding to confu- attempt for forced entry on Macedo- However, 2510 of the asylum proce- Balkan states. After Austria announced sion about fresh security measures. nian soil. Prime Minister Đukanović said that dures had been halted, which means that it was refusing entry to migrants, "We are closely following develop- Montenegro will have to close its bor- that the refugees did not wait for Bul- which Slovenia and Croatia are now CAUGHT IN NO MAN’S LAND ments... We have already boosted our ders to refugees and migrants to avoid garia to take a decision on their status, also implementing, Serbia could be- presence at the border as more clashes being overwhelmed if other nearby continuing on their way to Western Eu- come a buffer zone for refugees,” Macedonian police were reportedly are certainly possible," a police source countries do so. rope through Serbia. Đurović said. the first to apply the new procedures, told BIRN on condition of anonymity. While Montenegro is neither an end But it seems that this is no longer an Đurović said that the cooperation conducting body searches on and de- Macedonian media reported that destination nor a transit country for option, since Serbia officially declared with neighbouring countries like Croa- manding passports from migrants. groups of frustrated refugees and mi- Syrian or Iraqi refugees, the govern- that it will consider only its border with tia and Macedonia is functioning, but Macedonian police confirmed to grants had again massed on the Greek ment in Podgorica did not rule out the Macedonia a legal entry for refugees that it is characterized by mistrust be- BIRN that they would only let through side and were heading for the border possibility of the country becoming and warned that everyone else will be tween the countries and unilateral ac- refugees from war-torn countries and with Macedonia. part of the migrant transit route. deported. tions, like closing borders or reducing who have documents from the Greek Desperation has grown at the nearby However, reinforced Balkan borders Together with deploying its army at the passage capacity. authorities that clearly state their final Camp Idomeni, where the situation has will probably force migrants to change the border, Bulgaria continues to invest Ivan Mišković, from the Commissari- destination. deteriorated after heavy rains over the their routes, as they did last summer in the project for a 132-kilometer barb- at for Refugees and Migration told BIRN Macedonian authorities said that the last week. when Hungary erected a razor-wire wire fence along its border with Turkey. that there are less migrants in Serbia border remains open but that they are Crowded conditions have led to a fence to stop the flow of refugees. The new Balkan transit rules will now, mostly as a consequence of Mac- sticking to the previously determined lack of food, shelter, water and sanita- German media reported that stricter face serious tests this summer. Some edonia closing its borders. cap of 580 refugees per day. tion at the camp, the UN refugee agency controls on Balkan route might force 200,000 refugees now are staying “Less than 500 migrants now en- Media report that thousands of refu- said. migrants to seek an entry to the EU else- along shores of the Mediterranean Sea ter Serbia from Macedonia on a daily gees and migrants are stranded at the In an interview for Der Spiegel last where - across the Black Sea or through in Libya, German Welt am Sonntag re- basis. Macedonia doesn’t let migrants border from the Greek side as Macedo- week, Macedonian President Gjorge Georgia and Russia. ported, quoting Western intelligence through and that will only create prob- nia continues to allow only small por- Ivanov said that he does not want to The government said it is ready for a sources. They are waiting for better lems for Greece,” Mišković explained. tion of them to pass through. see his country turn into a “warehouse possible influx of refugees and migrants weather conditions to cross the sea on In 2015, about 600,000 refugees Following a clash between refugees of migrants.” but in that case Montenegro "will follow the way to the EU. passed through Serbia, according to and police at the Macedonia-Greece He said that Macedonia will coordi- the policy of the European Union.” Serbia's Commissariat for Refugees and border on February 29th, the situation nate its actions on border closures with "If the European countries dealing Drew Adamek, Siniša Jakov Marušić, Migration. On average, around 2,500 there is calm but tense as media report other countries along the Balkan route. with the consequences of the migrant Filip Avramović, Dušica Tomović and people enter Serbia every day. of groups of aggravated migrants again He did not exclude the possibility of full crisis opt to close their borders, what Maria Cheresheva contributed to this text. 4 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, March 04 - Thursday, March 17, 2016 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, March 04 - Thursday, March 17, 2016 5 SERBIA BELGRADE

Belgrade through Vojislav Šešelj vows ‘passive the eyes of a Gen Y Serbian war It’s often said that imperfections are drama delights resistance’ to extradition what make something beautiful - and it is Belgrade’s quirks that give the city real character. Belgrade film-goers

Catering to the locals’ very healthy social appetite, the diversity of these venues is also particularly impressive; traditional kafanas are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, but high-end bars have also popped up.

There are also little aspects of day-to- day life in the city that give it a real community vibe, such as handing Emma KRSTIĆ your landlord each month’s rent in cash (and in person), the generosity alking along the showed by neighbours, and the onus Sava's east bank on repairing or recycling anything last weekend, that is broken instead of just replac- I came across ing it (as is so common in Western something that society). surprised me: aW bench with about a dozen leads And even a ride on public transport dangling from its backrest to charge has its unique appeal. Jump on a just about any phone currently on rickety tram and it’s not unlikely that the market. Yes, you can now power- at a certain point it will stop and split up your mobile while taking a rest in two, with patrons following each beside the river looking over at New other into whichever carriage is Belgrade. continuing onwards.

This splash of luxury sits perfectly It also happens that occasionally within the scope of the city's plan when riding a trolleybus, the poles to develop its waterfront - with the attached to the overhead wires slip help of Arab investors - into a glitzy off, bringing the vehicle to a sudden Vojislav Šeselj returned to Serbia in 2014. Photo: Beta riverside neighbourhood filled with stop. The driver then jumps out of The film's crew at the FEST press conference. Photo courtesy of FEST high-rise apartments, a grand mall the bus, heads to its rear, and uses and flashy bars and cafes. But at ropes to animatedly fling the poles present, it's a surprisingly modern ešelj told a news conference claimed that extradition proceedings He was allowed to return to Belgrade back onto their track. Serbian Radical Party leader Vojislav feature in a city that still has plenty ‘A Good Wife’, a new feature film about a woman who rd in Belgrade on March 3 that were already under way and said the in November 2014 after being granted of room for development. Little foibles like this are one of Šešelj, whose war crimes verdict is he would put up “passive Higher Court in Belgrade had told him temporary release by the ICTY on hu- Belgrade’s most endearing qualities. accidentally discovers that her husband has a criminal wartime st resistance” if the Serbian to report there on March 10th to present manitarian grounds to undergo cancer However, it’s this push and pull On a recent visit to the Nikola Tesla Š between the government’s desire to Museum (Krunska 51), often lauded due on March 31 , again vowed to authorities try to send him back to the evidence to prove his claim that this treatment. past, packed a Belgrade cinema for its Serbian premiere. develop the city and its inhabitants’ as one of Belgrade’s best, I had a International Criminal Tribunal for would be unlawful - although this has After several controversial delays, nostalgic attachment to times gone fantastically memorable experience resist any attempt to send him back the Former Yugoslavia, ICTY for the not been confirmed by the court itself. the verdict in the case against him has by that gives Belgrade its unique because of this. to the UN court in The Hague. verdict in his trial this month. When contacted by BIRN, the Higher been set for March 31st, and the UN character. Ivana NIKOLIĆ Karanović said she wanted to ex- The premieres in other countries “They’ll have to carry me to the Court declined to say whether extradi- court has asked him to return to deten- The small museum (it only has four- plore a difficult story that relates not were intended to promote the film, but Across the city, its mishmash of and-a-half rooms) tells the life story airport, I will not fight with the police, tion proceedings were underway or tion in The Hague. Good Wife’, directed by only to Serbian society, but to the “here we want to communicate with old and new is most obvious in its of Serbian inventor Tesla, and has and if the police beat me, I’ll find a way not because the process is not public. He has refused to go back voluntar- architecture - a hotchpotch of styles, a number of interactive elements the Serbian actress Mirja- whole of the former Yugoslavia. the people”, she explained. to let you know,” Šešelj said, according Šešelj is on trial for alleged wartime ily, but the Serbian authorities haven’t running from art nouveau to brutal- to show visitors how his electrical na Karanović, who also co- “On the one hand, there is loyalty to- Karanović is one of the most famous to the B92 news website. crimes in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzego- yet arrested him, citing his poor health ist, modernist and everything in innovations worked. wrote the screenplay and wards the family and one’s surroundings actresses in the region and has con- between - and its social scene. ‘A The Serbian Radical Party leader vina and Serbia. as a reason. played the main role, was welcomed and on the other hand, there is the ethical tinued to work with film-makers from While at times too scientific for Walking through Dorćol, it’s impos- my brain, it was the very likeable with loud applause at its Belgrade pre- imperative,” she told a press conference. other former Yugoslav countries since sible to miss the array of once opulent but extremely unenthused guide, miere at the Sava Centre on March 1st. “People have a right to sacrifice their the 1990s wars. buildings whose facades look relent- and the fact that a couple of the Karanović plays Milena, a housewife own life. Some people are ready to sac- She played a raped Bosnian mother lessly beaten and weathered. While machines intended to demonstrate in her fifties who lives a comfortable rifice lives of the others as well, but that in the film ‘Grbavica’ and a Croatian many of the window shutters are now his game-changing inventions were barely clinging on and spray-painted not working as they were meant to, life until she finds a videotape from her entails great responsibility,” she said. widow in ‘Witnesses’. Kosovo tags are slashed across their outer which made it such an entertaining husband’s days as a fighter in the con- The drama, which is also Karanović’s Last year, she also appeared in a walls, they were clearly very glamor- outing. flicts in the former Yugoslavia. directorial debut, had its world premiere Kosovo director Isa Qosja’s ‘Three ous homes at one point in time. On the tape, she sees her husband at the Sundance Film Festival in January. Windows and a Hanging’, which And while they are modern, I get the executing bound and frightened civil- Even though it has since been shown tackles the taboo of wartime sexual activists But it’s their downtrodden look that feeling that those open-air phone adds a certain charm, and makes the chargers won’t be working so well ei- ians, together with several other mem- in other various countries, Karanović said assault. uber-modern and downright cool ther after a short period of exposure bers of his military unit. her aim was to address a Serbian audience. ‘A Good Wife’ was showing in Bel- bars and cafes dotted between them to the elements. She then has to decide whether to “In terms of its meaning, this pre- grade as part of the competitive selec- all the more surprising. overturn turn her husband in to the authorities miere might be the most important one tion at the 44th International Film Festi- Serbian or try to forget what she saw. for me,” she said. val, FEST. ORDER DELIVERY TO YOUR DOOR The truck overturned by opposition activists. Photo: Vetevendosje. Find your copy of +381 11 4030 303 truck in [email protected] Petrit COLLAKU Vetevendosje said in a statement. to allow them to be distributed to Belgrade Insight here: http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/ The opposition party also said that schools in the Preševo Valley. page/subscribe-to-belgrade-insight he Vetevendosje activists its activists will continue protests ac- Guri added that education minister schoolbook seized the truck on March 3rd tions until Serbia accepts the Kosovo Arsim Bajrami will ask the Serbian after it entered Kosovo from schoolbooks. government to respect an agreement TSerbia at the Merdare cross- “They don’t accept our books, we reached last September, when Kosovo SUPERMARKET CONCEPT STORE HOTEL EXCELSIOR HOTEL JUMP INN TOURIST ORGANISATION OF SERBIA THE BRITISH INTERNATIONAL protest ing point and overturned it, causing will not accept their [Serbia’s] prod- and Serbia agreed to exchange school Address: Višnjićeva 10 Address: Kneza Miloša 5 Address: Koče Popovića 2a Address: Čika Ljubina 8 SCHOOL OF BELGRADE some of its cargo to spill out. ucts,” the party said. books for minorities in each other’s Address: Smetanina 12 Vetevendosje said it was as a The attack on the truck was con- countries. MONUMENT HOTEL HYATT BISTRO BAR NATIONAL FAOUNDATION response to Belgrade’s decision not firmed by Kosovo police spokesperson “Minister Bajrami will continue to Address: Čika Ljubina 9 Address: Milentija Popovića 5 Address: Vojvode Stepe 198 FOR DANCE RADISSON BLU OLD to allow Kosovo school books to be dis- Baki Kelani. ask Belgrade to respect the agreement. Address: Kolarčeva 3 MILL HOTEL, BELGRADE Opposition Vetevendosje (Self- tributed to ethnic Albanian children “Yes, it happened in Lupc village, on They have undertaken an obligation HOTEL MOSKVA HOTEL CROWN PLAZA FORCED2THINK Address: Bulevar Vojvode Misica 15 in the southern Preševo Valley area. the Pristina-Podujevo road,” Kelani and they have to fulfil it,” Guri told Address: Balkanska 1 Address: Vladimira Popovića 10 Address: Požeška 42 RESTAURANT BIZU www.radissonblu.com/hotel-belgrade Determination Movement) party Serbian officials argue that the books told BIRN. BIRN. Address: Andre Nikolića 1-3 are politically biased because they The Serbian authorities sent the Vetevendosje staged similar protest HOTEL SQUARE NINE HOTEL VOZAREV INTERGALACTIC DINNER activists overturned the truck described Kosovo as an independent books back on Tuesday after they actions in 2012 where several trucks Address: Studentski trg 9 Address: Pop Stojanova 16 Address: Internacionalnih brigada 22 CAFE CAFFELOUNGE state. were held for over six months at a from Serbia were overturned in an Address: Hotel Jugoslavija, Bulevar Address: Vase Pelagića 48 in protest at Belgrade’s refusal to “This action is a response to the customs terminal in Preševo. attempt to stop Serbian goods coming CAFE SNEŽANA HOTEL LE PETIT PIAFF Mihajla Pupina 85A distribute Kosovo schoolbooks that criminal act by Republic of Serbia, Azem Guri, a political adviser to into Kosovo. Address: Knez Mihailova 50 Restaurant Mali vrabac INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BELGRADE which yesterday returned more than Kosovo’s education minister, said that The party has also been involved Address: Skadarska 34 MIXER HOUSE Address: Temišvarska 19 103,000 books in Albanian, leaving the truckloads of books were now on in the recent protests in the Kosovo KOLARAC Address: Karađorđeva 46 Priština donated to ethnic Albanian Address: Kolarčeva 7 school Albanian pupils in Preševo, the Kosovo side of the border and that parliament which have seen tear gas Address: Studentski trg 5 HOTEL MERIOT KNJIŽARA APROPO pupils in Serbia. Medveđa and Bujanovac without any,” Priština will continue to ask Belgrade released several times in the legislature. Address: Vase Čarapića 2-4 Address: Cara Lazara 10 6 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, March 04 - Thursday, March 17, 2016 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, March 04 - Thursday, March 17, 2016 7 BELGRADE BUSINESS

Continued from page 1 German giant’s arrival stirs hope and fears in Serbia

especially if strict ecological measures CONTROVERSY are not included in the final deal. OVER LAND LAW Milan Prostran, an agricultural econ- omist, told BIRN that the annual pro- The expected arrival of Tönnies jected number of pigs is too large for Vo- in Serbia has revived criticism of the jvodina, where it is believed that most, Agricultural Land Act, which some if not all, the new farms will be located. claim was the result of direct lobbying “That would be a huge number of by Tönnies. The Agricultural Act was pigs for a small area,” he said. “We could adopted in December after months of have an ecological catastrophe.” political squabbling. “In the EU there are high ecological The most problematic part of the law, taxes on pig producers,” Prostran add- Article 7, entitles a commission formed ed, suggesting that one motive for Tön- by the Ministry of Agriculture to lease nies to invest in Serbia could be a desire 30 per cent of state land in each munici- to move a controversial industry out of pality for up to 30 years to “legal entities Germany. on the basis of the investment plan.” The deal faces other regulatory Farming organizations, opposition challenges. Serbian veterinarian regu- parties and some legal experts say lations insist that all pigs must be vac- Prince Charles and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall. Photo: Wikimedia Commons / NIH that if the government can strike direct cinated against swine fever, but EU reg- deals with investors without tenders or ulations forbid the export of vaccinated other safety mechanisms, it will create pigs to EU markets. all kinds of opportunities for backdoor “Serbian pigs are vaccinated, which machinations. is against EU standards,” Ševarlić said, Media reports claim the law was raising the question of what would then shaped in agreement with or on the re- happen with so many newly produced quest of Tönnies, to set the stage for its pigs if they cannot be exported to the Charles’ visit puts investment in Serbia. EU. “State writes the law for Tönnies,” In his speech, Vučić admitted that read the front-page headline in the dai- the issue of swine fever vaccination ly newspaper Danas last August. could be an obstacle. Agriculture Minister Snežana “That could be a problem, a serious Bogosavljević-Bošković has dismissed one, and we will think about that,” the spotlight on old royal this allegation, saying the proposed Prime Minister told the media. Land Act was needed because of the large amount of usurped and unculti- vated land in Serbia. VUČIĆ’S Dissatisfaction over the law culmi- NUMBERS DON’T alliance nated in series of so-called “tractor protests” in which farmers drove their ADD UP tractors to the capital, Belgrade. Parlia- That private visit, if it takes place, is The 1930s brought dizzying changes But he was overthrown within days and be a disadvantage to him when he went ment, not persuaded by the protests, Until Tönnies releases details of British Prince’s likely to stir interest in the old alliance be- to Paul and Elizabeth. In 1935, Britain’s forced into exile. Back in England, Eliza- back to Belgrade after the fall of com- nevertheless passed the law. his business plan for Serbia, it is tween the royal houses of Britain and Ser- King George V died, his eldest son, Ed- beth and George were forbidden to com- munism, when the Serbs discovered to unclear how many workers it will visit to Serbia bia – one still “is business”, the other, not. ward, soon abdicated and Elizabeth municate with him. their dismay that “their” Crown Prince BIG FISH LIKELY TO EAT employ and how many pigs it will is reminder of The connection dates all the way was unexpectedly catapulted onto the Paul’s successor, Peter, did not enjoy spoke more English than Serbian. SMALL FISH raise. back to 1923 when Charles’ grandmoth- throne beside her husband. his throne for long. The British royals, meanwhile, as the the ancient ties er, Elizabeth, then Duchess of York, and The changes in Paul’s life were just as Germany invaded Yugoslavia im- diplomatic arm of the British state, had Miladin Ševarlić, professor at the Ag- During his visit to Germany her husband, the future George VI, vis- dramatic. The assassination of his cous- mediately, precipitating – as Paul had to befriend Yugoslavia’s new, very dif- riculture Faculty at the University in in 2014, Prime Minister Vučić binding the ited Belgrade – the first British royals to in in 1934 meant that he suddenly be- predicted – a gruesome civil war. Now ferent rulers. They hosted Tito in lavish Belgrade, told BIRN that if Tönnies de- announced that the investment do so. came Regent of Yugoslavia, Elizabeth’s Peter also had to leave, and wound up style on his visit to London in 1953. livers on its promise to purchase 15,000 could create around 8,000 new royal houses of They went for the christening of King godson, Peter, being too young to rule. in England, where his mother, Marie, Tito must have been curious about acres of land and turn this into its pig jobs. Alexander of Yugoslavia’s first child, Pe- In the late 1930s, Paul and Olga visited had been living since 1937. There he the real attitudes of his smiling hosts farms across Serbia, “around 500 small Windsor and ter, and for the marriage of his cousin, England a good deal, staying with the fell in love with and married the exiled who he knew retained regular contact but sustainable farmers will be wiped However, Tönnies officials told Prince Paul, to Olga of Greece. Elizabeth new King and Queen and with Olga’s sis- Prince Alexandra of Greece. His own with Alexander, with Paul’s daughter, out.” BIRN that this figure was unlikely, Karađorđević. became Peter’s godmother. ter, Marina, Duchess of Kent. son, Crown Prince Alexander, was born Elizabeth, and to a degree with the ex- Similar concerns are voiced by other as all of its companies - eight The visit in 1923 - like this one - was But high politics intervened to wreck in London in Claridges Hotel. As the heir Regent Paul himself. experts as well as by small farmers in Germany and one in Den- primarily political. The British Foreign the friendship. to the Yugoslav throne had to be born on When Queen Elizabeth and George themselves. mark - employ a total of only Marcus TANNER Office sent the young royal pair to Bel- As war first loomed and then broke Yugoslav soil, Prime Minister Winston VI visited South Africa in 1947, they ig- Miroslav Kiš, chair of the farmers’ about 10,000 people. grade to confirm the British commit- out, the British government used every Churchill obligingly had Suite 212 pro- nored official advice and insisted on association in the northern province hen Prince ment to the new Yugoslav state that had means it could to lure Yugoslavia to claimed Yugoslav territory for the birth. meeting their old friend Paul, then living of Vojvodina, told BIRN that Tönnies The goal set by Vučić of 4 million Charles and emerged from World War One, which its side and away from Germany. Paul With the enforced termination of the there. When George VI died in 1952, his will offer products at lower prices than fattening pigs is also questioned his wife, the Britain hoped would act as a bulwark became the recipient of strident letters friendship between Elizabeth of England now widowed friend ensured that Paul smaller farmers can match. Eventually, by experts. Milan Prostran, agri- Clemens Tönnies after the meeting in Belgrade. Photo: Beta Duchess of against German influence. from British King and Queen, obviously the Paul of Yugoslavia - and with the fall was invited to the funeral. they will be forced to close. culture economist, thinks such a Cornwall, Elizabeth and Prince Paul were al- dictated by the British Foreign Office, of the Yugoslav monarchy - relations be- Her daughter, meanwhile, Queen Eliz- “They will become a monopoly if number is “completely unbeliev- visit Belgrade ready friends, however, having met urging him to stand by Britain and not to tween the two houses went down a notch. abeth II, visited Yugoslavia in 1972. Tito they get all the land they have asked Tönnies' control,” Ostendorff predicted. Vučić and Tönnies deny this and in- continue to invest in pig production in able”. onW March 17th on their tour of former while Paul was at Oxford. Paul had fallen take Yugoslavia into the Axis camp. England remained the main base of returned to Britain in 1978 after which for. Claims that Tönnies will cooperate The most vocal opponent of the deal sist that the investment will generate Serbia,” he said. Yugoslavia, they will be reaffirming in love with the English aristocracy and For Paul it was a dilemma. The pros- the House of Karađorđević, however. Prince Charles went to Belgrade. with farmers are unrealistic because in Serbia is Saša Radulović, a former work for Serbian meat producers and Clemens Tönnies added that he will He recalled that back in 1987, the British state’s desire for closer ties their fun-loving ways and became a pect of destroying ties with the country Peter’s son, Alexander, lived there, as During the Communist era, the Brit- they only work with “big ones,’” Kiš said. economic minister and now leader of not undermine them. first try to take over some existing pig when Yugoslavia was the fifth to Serbia – damaged by their opposing fixture in Elizabeth’s set, dancing at the where he had spent some of his happi- did his uncle, Tomislav. Paul’s daughter, ish royals had in a sense to perform a Friedrich Ostendorff, an MP from the “Enough is Enough” movement. Local farmers “will increase produc- farms in Serbia, to “get to know the mar- largest pig producer in the world, views on Kosovo. Ritz, partying till dawn and speeding est years devastated him. But he was Elizabeth, was schooled in England and double act, playing host and guest to the German Green Party and member He told BIRN that the deal may be tion, will have a market in which to ket.” it produced only 1.4 million fat- At the same time, palace officials have around the countryside from one coun- dedicated to healing the bitter divide be- one of her three children lives today in Yugoslavia’s communist leaders while of the Food and Agriculture Board in good for Vučić but it was not so good for sell their pigs, and will have security tening pigs a year, 70 per cent of confirmed that the Prince and Duchess try house to another. tween the Serbs and Croats in Yugosla- London. Elizabeth is now back in Bel- cherishing private ties to the family the the German parliament, told BIRN that, Serbia. for their food, hygienic conditions and CONCERNS ABOUT ENVIRON- which came from Serbia. are expecting to pay a private visit to an Their respective marriages separated via and feared that his country would be grade but is still a close friend to her communists had exiled. if the experience in Germany is any “In all the countries where Tönnies advanced technology,” Vučić said after MENT AS WELL old family friend of Britain’s royal house, them. But when Olga’s sister, Marina, destroyed - and torn apart by civil war - if cousin, Marina’s son, Prince Michael of These days, that is no longer an issue. guide, Tönnies will take over the mar- operates, local farmers raise cattle and the meeting on February 23rd. Ševarlić said Vučić’s announce- Crown Prince Alexander. married Elizabeth’s husband’s younger it fought Germany. Kent. If Prince Charles fits in some time with ket. sell them to Tönnies. But in Serbia, they "We don’t want to push out Serbian Apart from the deal’s impact on small ment about 4 million pigs was “We expect their royal highnesses to brother, it solidified a connection be- In March 1941, his government signed Alexander, who is also the godson of his mother’s godson - on what looks like "The small ones will disappear, which will have both the land and the pigs, farmers,” Clemens Tönnies assured, farmers, some experts warn of possible just part of his election cam- have a private meeting with the Crown tween the two couples despite the dis- a pact with the Germans that he hoped the present Queen Elizabeth, more or a busy schedule - there will be no need will start a huge reshuffle in which a few and our farmers will work for them as adding that his company plans to re- negative consequences for the envi- paign. Prince,” the palace informed BIRN. tance between them. would keep Yugoslavia out of the war. less grew up an Englishman. It would for such secrecy. large [farms] survive and come under hired labour,” Radulović claimed. invest profits back into Serbia. “We will ronment from so many new pig farms, 8 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, March 04 - Thursday, March 17, 2016 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, March 04 - Thursday, March 17, 2016 9 REGION OUT AND ABOUT

Continued from page 1 Serbian church spars for its assets in Montenegro

r Velibor Džomić said the Montenegro is not satisfied with it. Reli- Church had operated in gious communities are not in charge of Montenegro for some 800 law-making,” he said. years but was now being While the draft law will not be with- discriminated against in drawn from procedure, Numanović the new draft law, which concedes that it will “pass through one Fhe claimed gave equal or better rights more filter”, referring to European stand- to newer religious communities that he ards on such issues, which the govern- termed “sects”. ment needs to observe having in mind The Serbian Orthodox Church main- its intention to join the EU. tains that it “gave birth to Montenegrin The government says the law will cre- statehood,” and that still has the loyalty ate an additional monitoring system for of at least 28 per cent of Montenegrin the country's property, which has not citizens who declare themselves ethnic been properly protected so far. Serbs. The roots of the spat between the gov- Fr Džomić called the Podgorica court ernment and the Serbian Church go far ruling scandalous. “The spirit of this ver- deeper than the draft law, however. dict is connected to the draft law on free- The Church opposed the govern- dom of religion... which is now dead,” he ment’s decision to seek independence told BIRN. from the loose state union with Serbia in One of Bike Kitchen’s main objectives is to get people on bicycles to make cycling, especially bicycle commuting, more common and acceptable. Photo: Drew Adamek He said the Church had a clear right to 2006. More recently, it has also opposed Orthodox churches and monasteries in the government’s bid for NATO mem- Montenegro, as well as to all the real and bership. movable property that had belonged to Beyond that, the Serbian Church and it for centuries. the government have a long history of “All of this has been brought to the conflict on important national issues, point of absurdity when the Serbian in particular on the national identity of Pedal power activists Church needs to prove that the church- Montenegrins, whom the Church claims es belong to it,” he added. as ethnic Serbs. The court ruling has reawakened old The Serbian Church also cherishes tensions between the government and close ties with Russia and is bitterly Montenegro’s largest religious commu- against the pro-Western orientation of seek bike-friendly city nity, which have been simmering for Đukanović's government. years, mainly over assets. Under pressure from the Church, Some 650 churches and monasteries Montenegro’s judicial authorities last But it won’t be easy. There are many Kitchen Belgrade out of Vranić’s garage. While the Master Traffic Plan 2021 organized high-profile public protests could face seizure by state if the new law December had to seek an opinion on Bicycle cultural and physical obstacles to over- For the first year, he covered all the ex- contains plans to build 130 kilometres of and the bike path was rerouted instead of on the freedom of religion is adopted in the controversial draft law from the Ven- come. penses of the organization himself. commutable bike lanes, including over closed off. its initial drafted form. ice Commission of Council of Europe, campaigners and Bike Kitchen Belgrade is a communal In 2014, Bike Kitchen moved to its cur- the city’s bridges, none have yet been It’s a victory that Bike Kitchen’s Montenegro’s smaller Islamic and which suggested changes to the docu- space in Savamala that offers anyone a rent location in the Savamala neighbour- built. Vladimir Martinović sees as a step to- Catholic communities have also ex- ment relating to property and freedom do-it-yourself free opportunity to fix - or even build - a hood with the help of a small annual wards changing the culture of Belgrade. pressed concern over the new law but Bishop Amfilohije and PM Milo Đukanović durnig their last official meeting in 2013. Photo: gov.me of religion. bicycle. The shop offers free tools, bike re- grant from the Goethe Institute. The grant CYCLING FOR CHANGE “The city becomes a cycling city once the Serbian Church has protested loud- The EU said it expected Montenegro activists are pair workshops for novices and enthusi- also helps cover expenses and buys tools people have it in their minds that they est. The government said it has received He said the Church would be able Apart from the property issue, pay- obliged to submit a request for registra- to ensure “that the law... is compatible asts, and working space to the public. Bike for the shop. But Bike Kitchen isn’t just Zoran Buković, the unofficial leader of can do something; not just ride a bike,” 500 objections - most of which from to easily protect its rights, if need be, in ing taxes would affect some famous tion to the government, which its offi- with European standards" and that it working to make Kitchen is staffed entirely by volunteers about repairs. Streets for Cyclists (Ulica za Bicikliste), is says Martinović. SPC, but added that there will be no es- the European Court of Human Rights in Orthodox pilgrimage sites, which attract cials consider humiliating. “also respects the case law of the Euro- who help people with advice and hands- Biking is mostly seen as a recreational trying to change that. Like the Bike Kitch- But it is a small victory in the larger goal sential changes in the draft law. Strasbourg. tens of thousands of pilgrims a year and The government however, remains pean Court of Human Rights, including Belgrade a more on support, and is funded by grants. activity in Belgrade and not as a means en Belgrade volunteers, he is an activist to make Belgrade more bike-friendly and Bishop Amfilohije, the Church’s lead- However, he said “tensions” were like- which have not been obliged to pay tax- adamant that the issue of state property in relation to the property rights”. “We tell everyone the same litany when of transport. One of Bike Kitchen’s main who encourages people to cycle, lob- more socially-connected city. Martinović er in Montenegro, last September said ly if the state continued to push for the es so far. now used by the churches must be dealt The EU Delegation in Podgorica told bike-friendly city they come in: we don't charge anything. objectives is to get people on bicycles to bies for bike-friendly policies and organ- sees a need to shift public attitudes about the Church was under relentless per- initial version of the law. Under the tax law, if the religious with. There is no question of usurpation BIRN that it „expects Montenegro to take We exchange skills; if you know some- make cycling, especially bicycle com- izes monthly mass rides through the city access to public space. secution and that the authorities “steal Under the new law on freedom of re- communities provide services to their of property, it claims. the comments of the Venice Commis- despite its traffic thing you can show us, if we know some- muting, more common and acceptable. called Critical Mass. “People have lost the sense that pub- churches every day”. ligion, which the government has said members, they are exempt from paying The Minister of Human and Minority sion into account in any final draft of the thing we can show you,” says Vranić. “It's as simple as it can be: to get people On the last Saturday of every month, lic space belongs to everyone,” says Vuk Uskoković, an assistant professor will be adopted in 2016, all churches and Value Added Tax, VAT, and reporting Rights, Suad Numanović, said the new law,” recalling that the document is cur- safety problems. “Sometimes people try to leave us on their bikes and to get people to use hundreds of people join the Critical Mass Martinović. “We're trying to rebuild the at the University of Donja Gorica in Pod- monasteries built before 1918 must be their incomes. However, if they provide law on freedom of religion would also rently “being revised.” payment but we don't accept it. We are their bikes more often,” says Martinović. ride to highlight biking as a way towards idea of public space.” gorica, doubts that the original version returned to the state as part of the coun- or produce market-oriented services or have “the function of preserving reli- Asked about tensions regarding the strictly non-profit and free,” says Vranić. “Belgrade really needs to build up its change, and often protest about biking- It’s an ongoing process rooted in nuts of the draft law will be adopted. try’s cultural heritage. products exceeding €18,000 per fiscal gious tolerance, for which Montenegro Church property issue, the EU Delega- Drew ADAMEK “Some love it, some are baffled and they bike culture and get people more on two related issues. and bolts. Bike Kitchen Belgrade is gear- “I expect the Constitutional Court to If parliament adopts the law, religious year, they have to pay 19 percent VAT. is recognized. tion in Podgorica said that it counted just leave. Some stick around and work.” wheels instead of four.” The most recent Critical Mass ride, ing up for the summer - organizing work- annul this law,” he told BIRN, adding that communities will also have to start paying As the only religious community that “The draft law on freedom of religion on Montenegro "to continue to play a ndrija Vranić has pa- Vladimir Martinović stuck around. A major obstacle facing Bike Kitchen - on February 27th, was, in part, about pro- shops, recruiting volunteers and getting it would be like “stealing someone’s pri- taxes as well as inform the government is not officially registered in the coun- will not be withdrawn just because the constructive role in the regional con- tiently been trying to The unemployed diving instructor is Bike and other biking activists - in establishing testing against bicycling obstacles on the shop ready to handle the seasonal vate property”. about any their senior appointments. try, the Orthodox Church would also be most influential religious community in text. remove the rear wheel Kitchen’s newest volunteer and moti- a bike culture in Belgrade is the physical Branko’s Bridge. While Bike Kitchen Bel- rush. from a rusted, rickety vated by their mission of not just provid- infrastructure of the city. Streets are nar- grade is taking a more service-orientated In March, Bike Kitchen begins shifting bicycle for 30 minutes ing just simple repairs but to “promote row, especially in the city centre, and it approach to change, Streets for Bicyclists its schedule towards an emphasis on reg- but the nut still won’t cycling culture, volunteering and a DIY would be impossible to build commuter- are more publicly vocal. ular Saturday events. The first Saturday Acome off. The bike’s owner, a chain-smok- culture in Belgrade”. friendly bike lanes without removing “If you want to have big change that of the month will be a parts exchange, the ing old man, watches him closely and of- “A lot of people want to do something parking spaces. Bicyclists have very little you’ve got to have the system involved. second a bike repair workshop, the third fers advice of dubious helpfulness. with their hands but they don't want to room on the streets to pass by safely. You have to have larger number of people an open community meeting and the The wheel resists Vranić; no amount buy all the tools, to get the space and this “I would really love to use bicycle more biking for commuting, not just as a means fourth “a party.” The first workshop will be of twisting, cranking or bashing loosens creates an opportunity for us to bring often but honestly I am scared because of recreation,” says Buković. “Recreation on getting bikes out of the attic and ready the jammed wheel, but he never gets an- them here,” says Martinović. of lots of traffic in the city,” says Bojana is not the problem in Belgrade. Commut- for the summer season. gry or frustrated. He simply continues “People come in and ask, will you fix Martinović, Vladimir’s wife. “I am sup- ing is the problem and the city centre But before Bike Kitchen Belgrade worrying away at the nut while he talks my bike, and the answer is no. You learn porting this because I am hoping that I doesn’t have a metre of bicycle path.” reaches any of its larger goals or even to guests. All told Vranić may spend over how to fix your own bike here.” will be safer on my bike one day.” Buković sees public officials as recep- starts thinking about the summer, Andri- an hour fixing the old man’s bike and he Statistics show that Belgrade is not a tive to creating a more bicycle-friendly ja Vranić needs to remove that bolt from won’t see a penny for his efforts. BUILDING A BIKE CULTURE cycling city. Less than one-half of one per- city - until it comes time to spend money. the elderly man’s bike. He finally does it Andrija Vranić is the founder of Bike cent of transport journeys were taken by “It becomes a question of voters; lots of after 45 minutes and a small smile cross- Kitchen Belgrade, a free bicycle repair Bike Kitchen isn’t unique to Belgrade. bicycle in 2005 according to the Master voters are car drivers and if they [city of- es his face. It’s a satisfying reward for his shop in Savamala, and fixing things that There are hundreds of volunteer-run bi- Traffic Plan 2021, a transportation plan- ficials] start taking from them and giving patient work. seem impossible to budge is just part of a cycle co-ops that are “accessible to peo- ning study commissioned by the city to us, then there will be problems, so that’s It’s not the only triumph he sees for the day’s work for him. ple without money” and that “have an of Belgrade. Less than 16 percent of Bel- why we have to keep up the pressure,” day. He also says he finds joy in what Bike Vranić, and Bike Kitchen Belgrade, are educational focus, teaching others how grade’s households own bicycles, accord- says Buković. Kitchen Belgrade has accomplished so part of a movement of enthusiasts and to fix bikes” operating around the world ing to the same study. Biking activists have had success re- far. volunteers using bike activism to make according to bikecollectives.org. However there is increasing need for cently in the fight over rerouting the Sava “I think we have proved it is possible Belgrade a more liveable, bike-friendly It was reading about one such organi- more bicycle-friendly transport options. river bike trail. The popular trail was to have a volunteering project in Ser- city. Along the way, they hope to build a zation in Novi Sad that inspired Vranić As new businesses continue to develop slated to close as part of the Belgrade Wa- bia - that’s what I am happy about,” says more cohesive social community, restore to open Bike Kitchen Belgrade. In 2013, in New Belgrade, congestion increases, terfront development project last sum- Vranić. a deeper sense of public space and en- he and two other friends, Miloš Starčević particularly on the bridges between New mer. However, activist groups like Bike “It works, it runs. It’s not too many peo- courage “do it yourself” empowerment. and Nikola Mihaelj, started operating Bike Belgrade and the city centre. Kitchen Belgrade and Streets for Cyclists ple, but it’s doable.” 10 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, March 04 - Thursday, March 17, 2016 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, March 04 - Thursday, March 17, 2016 11 ARTS DINING OUT

Slavija Theatre Opera, Ballet Homa Bistrot hosts International and Classical Drama Fest FRIDAY MARCH 4th New bistro in Starting on March 9th and Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra Vracar from the Homemade treats lasting for 11 days, the with Vladimir Kulenović – conductor and Ivan Marjanović and Aleksandar team behind Slavija Theatre will be hosting Arts in brief Radulović – percussions, Ilija M. Kolarac Homa restaurant Corner Wine theatre companies from all Endowment, Studentski Trg 5, 8pm over the world. There will be is still finding its SATURDAY MARCH 5th plays from Russia, Lithuania, at Homa Bistrot way. Azerbaijan, Israel and many Opera: The Magic Flute, The National cult to improve on, except perhaps for Theatre, Francuska 1, 7:30pm other countries. To see the full The New Symphonic Orchestra Makris, some more parmigiano reggiano. list, visit the theatre's web- Ilija M. Kolarac Endowment, Studentski Pavle GOLICIN Macho beef burger, the most expen- site: http://www.pozoriste- Trg 5, 8pm sive item on the menu, proved its star sta- oma restaurant slavija.co.rs/festival.htm. SUNDAY MARCH 6th tus. Instead of coming in a regular bread has been well bun, it came between two thick slices of established on the Students of the Chamber Music grilled brioche. An excellent idea, since Yugoslav WWII Department, Ilija M. Kolarac Endowment, gastronomic map struggle inspires Studentski Trg 5, 11am of Belgrade for a this French pastry form has all the quali- conceptual art Concert for Babies, Ilija M. Kolarac couple of years ties of a perfect burger bun. The burger Endowment, Studentski Trg 5, 3:30pm, now.H Hoping to follow that success, itself was made of fine-quality meat and 5pm the same team is opening another was done properly - medium-rare-and Stevan Aleksić is a visual art- MONDAY MARCH 7th concept, Homa Bistrot. The bistro well textured. The rich, sweet combina- ist from Belgrade whose focus branch is set in the posh Vračar tion of foie gras, red onion jam and melt- neighbourhood, near the famous is scenography. Some of the Filip Tomić – cello and Jovana ed camembert, contrasted with the thin works at his exhibition, ‘The Radovanović - piano, Belgrade Cultural Kalenić green market, while Guitar Art Festival - an Centre, Trg Republike 5, 9pm the original Homa is in Dorćol. I slices of cornichons and iceberg leaves, Earth Which No Longer Exists’ was utterly curious to see their made this dish memorable. It was not to- TUESDAY MARCH 8th were inspired by monuments interpretation of a bistro, which, tally perfect as the iceberg leaves had got dedicated to Yugoslavia's eclectic mix Ballet: Who’s That Singing Over There, in its original Parisian incarna- cooked inside and the potato croquettes communists and their fight The National Theatre, Francuska 1, tion is a small restaurant, serving served on the side were better left out, 7:30pm moderately priced simple meals in but it still left us craving for more. for liberation in WWII. It opens Luz Casal. Photo: Facebook Belgrade Baroque – German music a modest setting. th Smoked pork shank, cooked in red at 10pm on March 5 at before Bach, Students’ Cultural Centre, However, my first impression Kralja Milana 50, 8pm the Štab Gallery, 10 Crnogor- was somewhat surprising, as a ale, then pulled and baked in a clay pot, As for the other musical performers, Metamorphosis Ensemble, Mikser was also excellent - perfectly tender, ska Street. Belgrade hosts one of the world’s House, Karađorđeva 46, 8pm clear effort had been made to classical guitar will again be at the fore- Guitar Art Festival: Duo Bandini- create a more elegant atmosphere- with a gentle roasted crust. The meat most important guitar music front of the festival. The Guitar Art Festi- Chiachhiaretta and Cerrato Brothers, even compared to the original was served in the baking pot with a few French chanson sung val prides itself in showcasing some of Dom Omladine, Makedonska 22, 8pm Homa- than the typical easy-going spoons of roasted pumpkin purée on for Women's Day bistro mood. On the other hand, the best talent in the genre, young and th the side. Basic but hearty and delicious WEDNESDAY MARCH 9 the menu showed a slightly more festivals and features a wide range old, and this year is no different. The - exactly the kind of food we would ex- The Ilija M. Kolarac Endow- Guitar Art Festival: Rovshan ‘bistro’ approach to typical ‘old classic guitar lineup this year includes school’ dishes from Serbia, as well pect in a bistro. ment will be hosting an of international artists. Mamekdulev at 7pm, Amadeus Guitar names like Rovshan Mamedkuliev, the Duo at 8pm, Vishwa Mohan Bhatt Trio as a few from Italy. The staff tried Mixed green salad with honey-mus- evening of French chansons Amadeus Guitar Duo, Jeremy Jouve, at 9pm, Dom Omladine, Makedonska 22 to be informal, yet polished, but tard dressing was a fine companion to for International Women's David GALIĆ She will be performing on March 12th, Raphaela Smitts, and Kyuhee Park. Danka Stojiljković, Ilija M. Kolarac didn’t find the right distance from both our meat mains. Endowment, Studentski Trg 5, 8pm Day on March 8th. Singing and the closing night of the festival, at Sava One of the more interesting and ex- beginning to end. As far as we could tell, the only dish The wine list in Homa Bistrot Centre. Casal will perform songs span- otic performers at the festival will be THURSDAY MARCH 10th that Homa bistro shares with its big sib- playing guitar will be Loran includes 50ish labels, which is he Guitar Art Festival, ning her 35-year career and will be ac- famed Indian musician Vishwa Mohat ling is “Saksija” (the “flower pot”) - a lay- Prokopić, who has prepared a Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra what you can usually find in good large repertoire of love songs which has become companied by a quintet featuring two Bhatt, a Grammy Award winner. Many with Howard Griffiths – conductor and Belgrade restaurants. Domestic ered dessert with creme fraiche, mint for the event. one of Belgrade’s most guitar players. music lovers consider him to be one Vadim Gluzman – violin, Ilija M. Kolarac wines represents half and mostly ice cream, chocolate topping and choc- popular music festivals Casal is considered the most popu- of the most emotional and expressive Endowment, Studentski Trg 5, 8pm Italian and French wines fill out olate cookie crumbs. As the name sug- Guitar Art Festival: Jeremy Jouve at 7, over the last decade, lar and successful Spanish singer musicians in the world. the list. Although there are a few gests, it is served in disguised form, as a Irish celebrations for Raphaella Smiths at 8pm, Alfonso and will be celebrating its of all time, selling over five million The Alfonso & Miguel Linares sextet Miguel Linares Flamenco Sextet at 9, pearls on offer, such as incred- flowerpot, looking innocently inedible. St. Patrick's Day ibly elegant Tempranillo Psi by T17th annual event this year. Starting records across the world. And while from Spain is the biggest name in Fla- Dom Omladine, Makedonska 22 The concept is fun and original and th Dominio de Pingus from Ribera on March 8 and lasting five days, this her concert is easily the most antici- menco music this year, while the Ricar- th even more so since the portion is big The Belgrade Irish Festival is FRIDAY MARCH 11 del Duero or my favorite ‘bubbles’ year’s festival looks more diverse than pated, it should be stressed that over do Parreira Fado Trio will be represent- Billecart-Salmon in both brut and enough to share. The intensity and the entering its fourth year and is it’s ever been. Through the years, the 100 artists are going to be participat- ing the Portuguese musical tradition. Guitar Art Festival: Slobodan brut rosé versions, the list remains contrast of flavours was just as expect- Milivojević at 7pm, Kyuhee Park at set to be more diverse than festival has made a deep impact on ing in the Guitar Art Festival this year, Tickets for all concerts are on sale ed. However, the artificial mint aroma 8pm, Rocardo Perreira Fado Trio at 9pm, somewhat unfocused. ever. There will be music, the global guitar scene and is always whether at concerts, discussions or at the Dom Omladine ticket desk, but Dom Omladine, Makedonska 22 Approximately 15 wines are in the ice cream, probably coming from movies, cabaret perfor- ranked in the top five of the best inter- workshops. also at every Eventim location and at available by the glass. In addition, the ready-made syrup, detracted from th national classical guitar festivals. The education portion has always the festival’s offices. Concerts taking SATURDAY MARCH 12 there is house wine – both white the air of sophistication. mances, food and much more (Chardonnay) and red (Cabernet As always, the lineup is deep and var- been an integral part of the festival and place at 7pm and 8pm each night cost The staff was young, pleasant and - all Irish themed, of course. Opera: La Traviata, The National Sauvignon) – by the allegedly ied. This year’s event features classical, this year is no different. Over the course six euros, while the main event shows Theatre, Francuska 1, 7:30pm polite but not always that helpful. We The festival starts on March ‘well-known’ Matalj winery from The new Homa “bistro” emerged in the Vračar district last October. Photo: Facebook jazz, tango, flamenco, fado and even tra- of six days, more than 200 guitar stu- at 10pm cost ten euros. You can also call RTS Symphonic Orchestra, Ilija M. hope to see them mature with time. 14th and runs for nine days. Kolarac Endowment, Studentski Trg 5, the Negotin region in Serbia. It is To see or download a full ditional Indian music artists. But each dents will take part in over 300 gui- to make ticket reservations at (011) 220- 8pm a nice effort and this practice, so Altogether, our first visit to Homa year there is one feature performer tar classes and ten expert-led master 6244 or by sending an email to office@ rare to find in Belgrade, needs to months to settle down and adjust its not prime time in any Belgrade res- bistro went well. If they can deliver programme for the festival, th whose concert is most anticipated. And classes. There will also be competitions gaf.rs. A full list of events, workshops SUNDAY MARCH 13 be encouraged. Hence, I took the Serbian menu at least once. taurant, so we were disappointed to constantly on this level, or better, they go to its website: http://www. red Cabernet Sauvignon without this year, that guest is undoubtedly for young guitarists held in six different and concerts can be found at the festi- Compared to the first Homa, which discover that a number of items on the will be seeing a lot of us. When it comes Opus 5, Ilija M. Kolarac Endowment, hesitation, even though mark up in specialties and irishfest.rs. Spanish diva Luz Casal. categories. val’s official website: www.gaf.rs. Studentski Trg 5, 11am promises a fine dining experience, the menu had already run out. Undeterred, to the meaning of the word “bistro”, Ho- Homa Bistrot seemed above aver- age, especially for a house wine. melt-in-the- bistro is supposed to be more casual we went for a hummus dip, which was ma’s version met all our expectations However, the wine was a far cry and less expensive. It is in Nevesinjska nice but came accompanied by bread in terms of menu and style of the food. from the Matalj’s standard bottles mouth burgers St, a quiet street in the Kalenić market that was so cold that it was on the verge In terms of interior, price and general I tasted on numerous occasions area that has turned into a row of ca- of frozen solid. Oh my, we thought… atmosphere, it seems a bit big, elegant with great pleasure. are on the menu fés and restaurants. With Homa bistro here we go again…. and pricey to call itself a bistro. Termi- Homa Bistrot lies somewhere ensconced there as well, little Neves- With our first choices from the start- nology aside, we loved the ambience between bistro and restaurant; in at this upscale my personal opinion, leaning more injska St is fast becoming an urban hot ers section unavailable at the moment, and the food and we will definitely be towards the latter. There is an obvi- addition to the spot and making its way into the tourist we decided to share a main dish, Par- back to check out their promising gar- ous improvement when it comes guides. migiana di zucchini, clay-pot roasted den and daily breakfast buffet to food since I first visited this food scene in the The interior is bistro in style, albeit in tomatoes and zucchini with mozza- place, just after opening. This is fair, a grand, upmarket manner. The prem- rella and parmesan cheese. This was Homa bistro as bistros are defined mostly by ises, once occupied by Forma Pizzeria, done just right, from the balance of Address: Nevesinjska 11 the food they serve, but the same Vračar district. are amongst the best around - generous the ingredients to the time baked and Phone: +381 11 245 12 25 should apply to the wine list. In any case, I am looking in size, with tall ceilings, large windows the temperature served. It tasted just Price Guide: 1,800-2,500 dinars forward to seeing further develop- and a decent-sized summer garden. as promised, rich, tender and with a [€15 - €20 ] per person for three courses ments in Homa Bistrot, next time Duda & Vlada Vintage-looking furniture and pendant homemade touch. Excellent and diffi- without drinks hoping to find what I tend to think lights complete a calm yet interesting of bistro – comfort (simple, familiar, hen the first interior, coloured in shades of nut, brick affordable and delicious) wine and Homa opened and petrol blue. The space is pleasant, ONCE KOVAČ, ALWAYS KOVAČ dine experience. in Dorćol by open and comfortable, and in no way ONCE ”KAFANA”, ALWAYS ”KAFANA” the end of 2011 falls short of the interior of the original RESTURANT KOVAČ we rushed to Homa. In fact, we would venture that modern ethno restaurant Basic Info Rating check it out. this one feels better, design-wise, allow- OurW haste led to disappointment. We ing for more space and comfort. The menu is short, one page, bistro- Overall Good left with mixed feelings and a big ques- tion mark over our heads. The experi- style. The choice of food is excellent, Wine selection Good ence had little in common with the sta- consisting of homemade Serbian dish- Wine service Average tus of fine dining venue, which Homa es, several Italian recipes and a couple Wine pricing €15 - €80 had acquired in record time. of burgers, along with numerous dips, The new Homa “bistro” emerged in patés and small plates. the Vračar district last October and this The time of our visit, 6pm on a windy Bulevar Oslobodjenja 221, Tel: 011 2462 343 Wine and food pairing Good www.restorankovac.com time we decided to allow it a couple of winter Sunday afternoon, is definitely 12 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, March 04 - Thursday, March 17, 2016 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, March 04 - Thursday, March 17, 2016 13 WHAT’S ON

Enrique CLUBBING Iglesias AND LIVE MUSIC to perform in Belgrade

FRIDAY MARCH 4th SATURDAY MARCH 5th WEDNESDAY MARCH 9th • Ritam Nereda, Fest, Gradski WEDNESDAY MARCH 16th Park 1, Zemun, 9pm orldwide pop • Blind Observatory, • La Rambla – Techno Corida, • DJ Marko Radosavljević, • Ozric Tentacles and Project • Girls Gonna Get Wild, Mr star Enrique Drugstore, Bulevar Despota Magacin Depo, Travnička 3, Mr Stefan Braun, Nemanjina 4, Rnl, Drugstore, Bulevar Stefan Braun, Nemanjina 4, Iglesias is set Stefana 115, 11pm 11pm 10pm Despota Stefana 115, 10pm 10pm Wto perform at • Smoking Beats, Šećer, • Bow Down, Šećer, • Local Music, KST, Bulevar Belgrade’s Kombank Arena th Svetogorska 17, 11pm Svetogorska 17, 11pm Kralja Aleksandra 73, 10pm SUNDAY MARCH 13th THURSDAY MARCH 17th on May 10 as part of his world “SEX and LOVE“ tour. • Techno Alchemy, Tijuana, • DJ Brka, 20/44 boat on Sava, This is Enrique’s second ap- th boat on Sava, 11pm 11pm THURSDAY MARCH 10 • Viktor Savić and Guests, Mr. • R&B Thursday Delight, pearance at Belgrade’s Arena. • Baby Blue, Grad Cultural • All Night Goa, Tijuana, boat Stefan Braun, Nemanjina 4, Brankow, Crnogorska 12, 11pm He wowed fans at a concert Centre, Braće Krsmanović 4, on Sava, 11pm • R&B Thursday Delight, 11pm • Dj Gru and DJ Playa, Mr. there in 2009. 10pm • Funk D’Void, The Tube, Brankow, Crnogorska 12, 11pm • RnB Night, Cinema, Stefan Braun, Nemanjina 4, Photo: Flickr/Eva Rinaldi • Petar Cvetković, Shoxy, The Simina 21, 11pm • For Old Times Sake, Tranzit Gračanička 18, 11pm 11pm Sleeper, The Tube, Simina 21, • Kišobran party, Drugstore, Bar, Braće Krsmanović 8, 10pm • DJ Oysha, Industrija Bar, 11pm Bulevar Despota Stefana 115, • Dj Gru and DJ Playa, Mr. Stefan MONDAY MARCH 14th Karađorđeva 23, 10pm FEST • Banda Panda All Night, 20/44 11pm Braun, Nemanjina 4, 11pm • Let There Be Rock, KST, boat on Sava, 11pm • The Tronic Lab III, Grad • DJ Oysha, Industrija Bar, • DJ George and Dalibor Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 73, opens at • 90s, Plastic, Takovska 36, 11pm Cultural Centre, Braće Karađorđeva 23, 10pm Uhrik, Mr. Stefan Braun, 11pm • 1 on 1, Tilt, Karađorđeva 2, 11pm Krsmanović 4, 11pm • Bunt, KST, Bulevar Kralja Nemanjina 4, 11pm • Selah Sue, Bitefartcafe, Belgrade’s • Flashback 90s and 2000s, • Get Low – THCF and DJ Aleksandra 73, 10pm Mitropolita Petra 8, 9pm Sava Industrija Bar, Karađorđeva 23, Architect, Underground, • Mario Biondi, Bitefartcafe, TUESDAY MARCH 15th 11pm Pariska 1, 11pm Mitropolita Petra 8, 9pm Centre • Drugstore Play 2nd Bday • Cheers to the Weekend, • Svin, Jayy Bar Centar, Knez • Diesel Party, Mr. Stefan Braun, Party, Drugstore Play, boat on Plastic, Takovska 36, 11pm Mihajlova 6, 9pm Nemanjina 4, 11pm elgrade’s film fes- Sava river, 11pm • It’s All About Music, Drugstore tival FEST opened • R&B and House Night, Beton, Play boat on Sava river, 11pm FRIDAY MARCH 11th for the 44th time th Karađorđeva 2, 11pm • DJ George and DJ Bole, Mr Bon February 26 • DJ Marko Radosavljević and Stefan Braun, Nemanjina 4, • Beau Wanzer, Drugstore, at Belgrade’s Sava Centre. This year’s theme is “Erasing , Mr Stefan 11pm Bulevar Despota Stefana 115, DJ Boško Pešić Borders.” Serbian director Braun, Nemanjina 4, 11pm • Mirko and Meex, Tilt, 11pm TRATTORIA Nikola Ljuca's debut feature • Can’t Stop the Rock, KST, Karađorđeva 2, 11pm • Kristijan Molnar invites film “Vlažnost“ (Humidity) Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 73, • Disco House, Beton, Marijan Felver, 20/44 boat on PIZZERIA was the first film to hit the big 10pm Karađorđeva 2, 11pm Sava, 11pm screen in this year’s festival. Photo: FEST Photo: FEST • Dječaci, Božidarac, Radoslava • Dooshan and Lady Dee, • Emanuel Satie, The Tube, Grujića 3, 8pm Brankow, Crnogorska 12, 11pm Simina 21, 11pm Nebojsina 8 , Kombank , KST, Bulevar Kralja a, Grad • Tony Cetinski • Nineties • Friday Night Feev 011/3863-999 Theatre Arena, Bulevar Arsenija Aleksandra 73, 10pm Cultural Centre, Braće [email protected] Čarnojevića 58, 8pm • Violent Chapter, Blankfile, Krsmanović 4, 10pm www.restoranamici.rs singer • Xanax, Auf Wiedersehen, Sides, The Endless Fall, Dom • 90s, Plastic, Takovska 36, 11pm honoured Grad Cultural Centre, Braće Omladine, Makedonska 22, • 1 on 1, Tilt, Karađorđeva 2, 11pm Krsmanović 4, 9pm 9pm • Flashback 90s and 2000s, with concerts • Black Pestilence, Defiant, • Nikola Vranjković, Fest, Industrija Bar, Karađorđeva 23, Kolac, Sioux, Skadarlija 40, Gradski Park 1, Zemun, 9pm 11pm he “To the professor from heart” 10pm • Oružjem Protivu Otmičara, • R&B and House Night, Beton, concert was held at the National Mikser House, Karađorđeva Karađorđeva 2, 11pm KOLARAC Theatre on March 1st to honour pri- 46, 9pm • DJ Marko Radosavljević and Tma donna Radmila Baikičević for her six-decade-long career. At the concert, DJ Boško Pešić, Mr Stefan PROGRAMME arias from operas like “Carmen”, “Faust”, SUNDAY th Braun, Nemanjina 4, 11pm MARCH 6 “Samson and Delilah” and “Safo” were per- • Can’t Stop the Rock, KST, formed under the guidance of director Ana • Viktor Savić and Guests, Mr. Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 73, Grigorović. During her career, Bakičević Stefan Braun, Nemanjina 4, 11pm 10pm has graced the stage for every lyrical drama • RnB Night, Cinema, • Irish Stew and Scordisci, played at the National Theatre during the 43 Gračanička 18, 11pm Božidarac, Radoslava Grujića FRIDAY, MARCH 4th Programme: Beethoven, seasons she performed there. , Zaokret, Cetinjska 10, 3, 8pm Papandopulo, Khachaturian • Ivica Photo: Facebook Photo: Facebook FREE COPY 9pm Concert Hall, 8pm Ticket price: 800, 1,000, 1,200 rsd SATURDAY MARCH 12th Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra Vladimir Kulenović th MONDAY MARCH 7th Conductor: TUESDAY, MARCH 8 Publisher: BIRN d.o.o. Soloists: Ivan Marjanović, • Bizarre Contact in Belgrade, percussions Concert Hall, 8pm Kolarčeva 7/5, 11 000 Belgrade Magacin Depo, Travnička 3, • DJ George and Dalibor Aleksandar Radulović, percussions Chanson Night Phone/Fax: +381 11 4030 300 Uhrik, Mr. Stefan Braun, 11pm Programme: Part, Abe, Mahler, Loran Prokopić, guitar and vocal Editor in Chief: Gordana Igrić Nemanjina 4, 11pm • Cheers to the Weekend, Britten Ondrej Maglovski, accordion BIRN editorial team: • Kalevala, Svarun, Dom Plastic, Takovska 36, 11pm Production: Belgrade Philharmonic Ticket price: 600, 800 rsd Ana Petruševa, Marcus Tanner, Omladine, Makedonska 22, • DJ George and DJ Bole, Mr CITY GUIDE Available at: 10pm Stefan Braun, Nemanjina 4, SATURDAY, MARCH 5th WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9th [email protected] Tourist Organisation of Belgrade 11pm Knez Mihailova 5, +381 (11) 2635 622 Sales & Marketing: Marija Petrović th Concert Hall, 8pm Concert Hall, 8pm Central Train Station, +381 (11) 3612 732 TUESDAY MARCH 8 • Mirko and Meex, Tilt, Nikola Tesla Airport, +381 (11) 2097 828 Phone: +381 11 4030 302 Karađorđeva 2, 11pm New symphonic orchestra Makris Danka Stojiljković, piano Belgrade Port, Karađorđeva [email protected] Conductor: Predrag Gosta Ticket price: 500, 700 rsd APROPO • Femix Party, Grad Cultural • Disco House, Beton, Hotel Moskva Bookstore and tearoom Programme: Aleksandar Simić, Subscription & Distribution: Centre, Braće Krsmanović 4, Karađorđeva 2, 11pm FREE PULL OUT MAP OF BELGRADE Terazije 20, +381 11 3642 000 Cara Lazara 10 Andreas Makris, John Williams, THURSDAY, MARCH 10th +381 11 2625839 Goran Knezevic 10pm • Dooshan and Lady Dee, FREE SIM CARD Hotel Excelsior Ennio Morricone, Hans Zimmer, Kneza Miloša 5, +381 11 3231 381 • Diesel Party, Mr. Stefan Brankow, Crnogorska 12, 11pm At the Belgrade Airport +381 11 4030 303 Modest Mussorgsky, Maurice Ravel Concert Hall, 8pm TOP SIGHTSEEING LOCATIONS Braun, Nemanjina 4, 11pm • Ladies’ Night and Brit’n’Bass, Supermarket concept store Hudson news odlasci / departures [email protected] Ticket price: 300, 500, 700 rsd Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra PUBLIC TRANSPORT MAP Višnjićeva 10, +381 11 2910 942 Hudson news dolasci / arrivals • Evening of the French KST, Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra Conductor: Howard Griffiths GUIDED TOURS THROUGH BELGRADE Hudson news čekiranje / check in Printing: POLITIKA štamparija d.o.o. Hotel Townhouse 27 Hudson news transit zona / transit Chanson with Loran Prokopić, 73, 10pm MONDAY, MARCH 7th Soloist: Vadim Gluzman, violin WIDE SELECTION OF CLUBS, HOTELS, Maršala Birjuzova 56, +381 11 2022 900 ISSN 1820-8339 = Belgrade Insight Ilija M. Kolarac Endowment, • Luz Casal, Sava Centre, Programme: Dabić, Brahms, Order online: RESTAURANTS, SHOPS AND Booking Rooms Hostel COBISS.SR-ID: 149132556 Studentski Trg 5, 8pm Milentija Popovica 9, 8pm Concert Hall, 8pm Beethoven Kralja Petra 30, +381 63 29 39 39 www.balkaninsight.com/en/page/ ENTERTAINMENT VALUE www.bookingrooms.rs Circulation: 4,000 • Lolobrigida, Studentski • Kanda Kodža i Nebojša, Dom Soloist: Jasminka Stančul, piano Production: Belgrade Philharmonic belgrade-city-guide Grad Cultural Centre, Bulevar Omladine, Makedonska 22, Zorana Đinđića 179, 10pm 9pm 14 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, March 04 - Thursday, March 17, 2016 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, March 04 - Thursday, March 17, 2016 15 GOING OUT SPORT Nula Pet Prime Minister enters (0.5) sports controversy New concept bar and club strikes a balance between luxury and budget. Though these skirmishes have The most recet round of foul play accu- Prime Minister calmed down recently, especially since sations came after the latest controversial Vujošević left for France, Čović is reignit- football derby on February 27th. Red Star David GALIĆ club. If you don't have a place to sit, Aleksandar ing the argument by announcing he will won 2-1, but Partizan fans see chicanery. then you're going to have to leave. So present information on who is in fact a Partizan fans were furious that two hile the win- it's best to get a reservation ahead of Vućič adds fuel “state-owned project” by the end of the penalties were not given to their club ter season time or get there really early – espe- season. when the score was 0-0, and they have hasn't been cially on the weekend. to squabbles over Supporting Čović’s claims, Prime Min- seen a seemingly regular goal get disal- exactly burst- I'd highly recommend 0.5 for any- ister Aleksandar Vučić said on March lowed when Red Star was leading. ing with new one who is looking to go out with a state funding of 1st on the national television channel Partizan’s head coach, Ivan Tomić additions to larger party of people. Most of the local sports teams. RTS that the basketball club Partizan re- got himself into a heap of trouble after theW clubbing scene in Belgrade, sev- available tables are longer and perfect ceives more funds that Red Star. the game, earning a charge from the eral new clubs of note have opened. for a part of six or more people. It's also “The state of Serbia and myself have disciplinary committee. Tomić verbally One is without a doubt 0.5. If you re- a very popular place for foreigners, helped the basketball club Partizan attacked the head referee of the match member a club called Geca - Disko both those living in Belgrade and visit- Filip AVRAMOVIĆ more than we helped Red Star, but peo- Vlado Glođović, calling him a thief and Šteker, this is the same location, but ing the city. ple from Partizan do not want or cannot later damaging the door of the referee with a completely different concept. Let's talk about the luxury-meets- or years, controversy has admit that,” Vučić said. room at the stadium. 0.5 is located on Dobračina street, modesty aesthetic of the club, which is swirled between Belgrade’s “It is easier for the fans to chant against Miloš Vazura, president of Partizan right below the National Theatre, in fairly interesting. Firstly, it's located in arch-rivals, Partizan and Red me than against the directors of clubs, came to Tomić’s support and insists that the heart of Dorćol. While it's definitely a basement, which certainly doesn't Star. After every “eternal” but I tell them now [the fans] that the the referee is the one who should be more of a pub and café than at an ac- scream “luxury.” But once you get in, derby, the losing team was basketball team Partizan has received sanctioned. tual club, it does tend to get rowdy on you are met by an automatic sliding Fquick to accuse the winner of match more funds. Concerning football clubs, “I do not know really how to protect Friday and Saturday nights. However, door, which isn't really something I've fixing and criminal affiliation. Support- Red Star has received a lot of more mon- ourselves, but it is certain that we will like all of the other establishments in seen in any bar or club of this nature. ers also accuse rivals of being a “state- ey from the state than Partizan, maybe not let Partizan get destroyed over the this part of town, it's only allowed to The atmosphere is certainly very owned project.” even five or ten times as much,” Vučić judges. I gave a verbal warning to the stay open it 1am, so if you're planning mellow and festive. The bar is beauti- These controversies were particularly continued. people of the football association, and a long night out, you'll have to make fully decorated, mostly with vintage fierce when it came to Belgrade’s basket- Supporters believe that the teams' if this continues we will have to bring a contingency plans to head some- furniture and other objects that give The atmosphere is certainly very mellow and festive. Photo: Facebook ball teams, especially when the ex-head performance is greatly influenced by the lot of new and drastic decisions,” Vazura where else after midnight. off the impression that you are walk- coach of Partizan, Duško Vujošević, imbalance of state funding. Those who told Večernje Novosti daily. What's cool about 0.5 is that it seems ing into a rich old aunt's country most Belgrade bars and clubs. keep an eye on what's going on every If you want to party all night, the exchanged accusations with Red Star receive more tend to perform better and “For us, Partizan did not lose, it got to tip-toe the line between luxury and home. Despite the appearance of the You're going to get nothing but month. good thing is that you're already in president Nebojša Čović. gain an unfair advantage. robbed,” Vazura said. Police at the latest controversial football derby in Belgrade. Photo: Beta budget. And while it does appear to be bar, it really is truly a down-to-earth foreign music here, mostly jazz and The crowd is a bit older, probably a perfect position to easily find your a bit more upscale, the prices are very type place. The staff is very friendly blues bands playing on the weekdays more in the 30-40 year-old age. And next destination on foot. modest and there isn't a dress code to and fast. and pop bands on the weekends. while it's not the place to spend all get in. The good thing about no lingering It's not always live music, however, night raging, 0.5 is a perfect spot in However, it has become very popu- rule is that every table has its assigned it usually is on Friday and Saturday. the dead centre of the city if you want lar and one thing to take into consid- waiters and waitresses, which makes The events being organized in 0.5 are to get together with a large group of Nula Pet eration is that they don't really allow order and receiving drinks a much certainly eclectic and I'd recommend friends and have a nice night of con- Address: Dobračina 30a Davis Cup Begins in Belgrade people to simply loiter around the faster and enjoyable process than in checking out their Facebook page to versation, drinks and good live music. Contact: +381 60 37 91 225 Filip AVRAMOVIĆ To the relief of Serbian fans, Đoković Serbia pins was declared fit to play and scheduled for its Davis erbia opens their 2016 Davis Cup a singles match on March 4th and a doubles Russian folk “Italian tennis bid against Kazakhstan on match on Saturday, March 5th according to metal band in Barry White” guest Cup hopes March 4th in Belgrade. The match is Blic. on world Sthe opening round of the 2016 World Serbia’s hopes hinge on Đoković ‘s Belgrade for stars at Bitef Group and the first time the two teams have participation in the match. Serbia won number faced each other. their first round match against Croatia first time Art Cafe Kazakhstan reached the quarterfinals but lost to Argentina, 4-1, last year without one Novak three years in a row. Both lost in the quarter- Đoković. finals last year. The winner will head to the The Serbian squad also includes Viktor alevala, a folk metal band from Moscow, is appearing in Belgrade for the talian crooner Mario Biondi will be holding two intimate shows at the Đoković. quarterfinals where they will meet the winner Troicki, Filip Krajinovic, and Nenad Zimonjic. first time on March th7 at Dom Omladine. Their “Hail the Spring” tour will Bitef Art Cafe on March 9th-10th. Known as the “Barry White of Italy,” Biondi of the match between Great Britain and Japan. Serbia last won the Davis Cup in 2010 be taking the band through most of Eastern Europe. The band's music is one of the most popular soul singers in all of Europe. The shows in Serbia’s top tennis player, and world num- after defeating France 3-2. The Serbians is quite “happy” compared to most metal, with the folk music influence Belgrade are billed as “up close and very personal,” much different ber one, Novak Đoković was uncertain for were runners-up in 2013 against the Czech in the forefront. The band uses traditional Russian folk instruments, like from the types of concerts he holds at larger concert halls and arenas. the Serbian team until the day before the Republic. theK balalaika, and combines both female and male vocals to create very emotional IIf you caught him at last year‘s Musicology festival in Belgrade, then you know match. The super star was suffering from an The matches are being held at Pionir music that tells tales of ancient Russia and the Slavic tribes of old. Opening the show how great he is live. If you haven't, you'll get a chance to see him perform in a eye infection, and had to forfeit his last quar- Hall in Belgrade March 4th through 6th. Ser- will be Svarun from Novi Sad, who share a similar love for folk music, symphonic more personal and relaxed setting in March. He will be debuting material live terfinal match in Dubai becuase of the eye bia also hosted Davis Cup matches in 2010 metal and ancient European history. Tickets will cost eight euros at the door. from his new album “Beyond.” Tickets cost €15 at the door on both nights. infection. and 2013. Novak Đoković is still uncertain for the Serbian team. Photo: Flickr/mirsasha

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A LEADING PROVIDER OF SUBSCRIBE TO NEWS AND ANALYSIS OUR PREMIUM CONTENT KC Grad celebrates local IN SOUTHEAST EUROPE London goth rockers weird electronic music for in-depth analysis, Queer collective The n Vrtoglavica investigative reports, Tronic Lab in KC Grad Noisy jazz rock from Looking for something out of the ordi- features, interviews, Getting their start in London back in Copenhagen in Belgrade Ozric Tentacles back in Serbia nary? Check out Auf Wiedersehen and commentary and profiles The Tronic Lab is an independent col- 1999, The Faces of Sarah are a gothic Xanax in KC Grad on Friday, March 4th. on the latest business and lective of queer artists creating rock band that draw inspiration from If you're into noisy free jazz and musical After their fantastic 2015 show, psyche- Auf Wiedersehen is a live electro act political headlines. electronic music in Belgrade. They are legendary acts such as The Sisters of experimentation, stop by the delic rock legends Ozric Tentacles that plays “garage disco, electro blues known for throwing parties to raise Mercy and Fields of Nephilim. One of Jazz Bar Centre on Wednesday, March are coming back to Belgrade this year. and electro no wave,” but sometimes awareness for LGBT causes. Promoting the most popular bands in 9th. Svin, a Danish band The concert will take place once also refer to themselves as “disco independent art through clubbing, the London's underground gothic rock from Copenhagen that combines the again at Drugstore. Opening the show punks.” Xanax is also into no wave and OTHER SERVICES: collective is known for throwing unique scene, they have played prominent aggression of Sonic Youth and the will be YouTube sensation Israeli prog disco punk, but are more psychedelic witch house-themed parties. The party venues like the Astoria. The Belgrade melodic sensibilities of artists like Arvo rock band Project RnL. The concert in nature. Tickets are only two euros at takes place on March 5th in KC Grad and concert is Friday, March 4th at Vrtoglavi- Part, will be playing. Tickets for the is March 12th and tickets will be eight the door. it only costs you two euros to get in. ca, and tickets are only two euros. show are two euros. euros at the door. 16 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, March 04 - Thursday, March 17, 2016 ADVERT Map of City Centre

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