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Global Waves
Local Victories
No.3

Cover Interview

David McAllister, MEP

Are Things Different This Time?

Elections 2024

2024 Election Fever as World Shifts Elections

Elections
As 2024 unfolds, the world reflects on a series of pivotal elections that have reshaped, and will continue to reshape, global political dynamics On the evening of 9th June, the results of the European Parliament elections were finally revealed. Despite some national successes, the...

Interview

Etienne Thobois, Paris 2024 CEO

Olympics Legacy: Paris 2024 Vision

As Paris gears up to host the 2024 Summer Olympics, Paris 2024 CEO Etienne Thobois sheds light on the ambitious plans and innovative strategies designed to make these Games a benchmark for sustainability, inclusivity, and community impact Much has already been written about the...

Opinion

Let’s Celebrate Opportunities

One of the articles in this edition of Connecting the Region, devoted to demystifying our region’s water resources, discusses the opportunities and challenges we face as “a glass of water that’s half full and half empty”. Although this expression might be overused, it...

Regional market opportunities

What Are the Top Opportunities for Slovenians?

Danijela Fišakov, President, Slovenian Business Club (SPK) in Serbia

Navigating Opportunities in Serbia

What specific sectors or industries in Serbia do you see as most promising for Slovenian businesses, and why? ― Serbia has long moved past being perceived only as a source of raw materials and cheap labour, with significant developments in its industry- changing...

Jure Peljhan, Slovenian Association of Businesspeople BiH

Unlocking Opportunities in BiH

What specific sectors or industries in BiH do you see as most promising for Slovenian businesses, and why? ― Several sectors in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) present opportunities for Slovenian enterprises to leverage their existing expertise. The energy sector offers potential for collaboration...

Vojdan Jordanov, Chairman Of The Board Of The Association Of Slovenian & Macedonian Businesspeople

Promising Sectors for Slovenian Businesses

What specific sectors or industries in Macedonia do you see as most promising for Slovenian businesses, and why? The Macedonian economy is quite diverse and offers promising opportunities in multiple sectors. In the last couple of years, the most significant investments and growth were...

Analysis

Not Every Fish Finds the Net

By Geri Kolgega, Journalist

Albania: New Tax Impact

Statistics show that revenue from excise duty has been increasing year on year. From €448 million collected in 2019, that total had risen to €580 million in 2023, with the government planning to collect 10% more during this year. As a percentage of...

By Armin Zeba, Journalist

Bosnia and Herzegovina: When the Coffee Turns Bitter

Thanks to inflation, the collection of indirect taxes in Bosnia and Herzegovina – representing one of the main sources of revenue for the budgets of the state and entities (half of the budgets of BiH and Republika Srpska, and a third of the...

By Srđan Popović, Journalist

Montenegro: Sudden Excise Tariff Hikes Complicate Business

Excise duty revenue on mineral oils and their derivatives amounted to €179.2 million last year and accounted for seven per cent of total budget revenue in 2023. Revenue from excise duties on tobacco and tobacco products amounted to €100.2 million last year, representing...

By Adriano Milovan, Journalist

Croatia: 2024 Sets Record Budget

VAT remains the main “filler” of state coffers, with the state planning to collect €11 billion in VAT this year. However, excise duties are also extremely important on the revenue side. The state plans to collect around €2.5 billion in excise duties this...

By Dejan Azeski, Journalist

North Macedonia: Excise Duties are the Currency of Political Subterfuge

Experts and stakeholders respond constantly by insisting that a high percentage of taxation on this basis is unrealistic, the biggest evidence for which is the fact that it varies according to the populist needs of each incoming government. So, when mass dissatisfaction started building...

By Novica Mihajlović, Journalist

Slovenia: Rising Excise Duties Contribute to Inflation

The state collected €1.45 billion in excise duties last year, equating to 6.2% of all consolidated budget revenue. Slovenia’s 2024 budget envisages excise duties generating just over €1.5 billion, with total budget revenues set to amount to €14 billion. VAT thus remains the...

By Nataša Damnjanović, Journalist

Serbia: Profiting on Petroleum

Excise duties are among the oldest forms of tax, with the Dutch having taxed beer and other alcoholic beverages, salt and sugar as far back as the 16th century. Their modern purpose is to compensate for the negative impact of the products they...

Bussines Pulse

Jelena Doderović, Marketing and Communications Director, Idea CG

Inside Idea-CG’s Market Leadership

We consistently track market trends and refine our offers based on consumer feedback,” says Jelena Doderović, underscoring the commitment of employees who approach their work with exceptional passion and dedication. How do you become the first choice for consumers who expect availability, a...

Živko Mukaetov, CEO/MB President of Alkaloid AD Skopje

Our Brands are Part of People’s Lives

Here we discuss a tradition dating back almost nine decades, brands built by generations of employees, investments in new products and technologies, the conquering of new markets and regional cooperation with Živko Mukaetov, CEO of one of North Macedonia’s best and most famous...

Ananas E-Commerce

Rapid Growth Continuing

Ananas currently operates in Serbia and North Macedonia, while it plans to expand into Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the third quarter of this year, thus further cementing its position as a leader of the regional e-commerce market. Ananas E-Commerce has officially...

Liliana Lapadatoni- Huluta, CEO, Marsh McLennan Adria

Clients Always Deserve the Best!

Liliana Lapadatoni Huluta will next year celebrate two full decades at Marsh McLennan. The Romanian team had just 20 members when she first joined, while today she leads a team of 71 colleagues. Speaking in this interview, she explains what it’s like to...

Branko Torbica, Elnos Group Vice President

Changing the Green Game

Elnos Group is revolutionising the renewable energy sector, proving that remarkable achievements can be achieved even in the most challenging environments. Speaking in this interview, Elnos Group Vice President Branko Torbica highlights how the company’s innovative approach and visionary outlook have helped position...

Mark Harrison, Founder & Principal, Harrisons

Understanding Client Objectives is Key

As the only English Solicitor practicing in Serbia and Montenegro, and the first European Lawyer to be registered with the Serbian Bar, Mark Harrison explains how his firm has ensured that the legal services it provides meet the diverse and complex needs of...

Ostoja Mijailović, President of OMR Group

E-mobility at the Core of Business

Ostoja Mijailović launched his own business at the age of just 22 and today owns a system of companies that operate successfully in Serbia and around the region. Drawing on his extensive experience, he explains in this interview how to provide clients with...

Rade Samčević, Founder and Director, HT Agency

Achieving European Quality

Rade Samčević has spent the past 15 years as the driving force behind HT Agency, leading the way in the hospitality industry. His journey, marked by the launch of new hotels and the optimising of the operations of existing ones, stands as testament...

Aleksandra Đurđević, Delta Auto Group General Manager & Vice President of Delta Holding

Delta Auto Leads the Shift to Electric Luxury

A deep commitment to innovation and strategic growth has marked Aleksandra Đurđević’s tenure at Delta Auto. Since joining the company, she has been pivotal in shaping its direction, transforming traditional business approaches with a sharp focus on emerging technologies and market trends. In...

Nelt Group

A Pillar of Regional Business Success and Sustainable Operations

Nelt Group is one of the most successful regional groups in the logistics and distribution of consumer goods, tobacco, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products. Its remarkable results are achieved not only by its manufacturing operations—Baby Food Factory and Neoplanta—but also by its dedicated employees. Nelt...

Jorge Araya, BAT SEE Area Director

BAT’s Business Transformation Success in Serbia

Overseeing operations across 13 countries from his base in Bucharest, Araya underscores the pivotal role Serbia plays within BAT’s global framework. From substantial investments in the Vranje factory to launching innovative smokeless products, BAT’s commitment to modernisation and sustainable growth is evident. Araya...

Maud Truchi, Founder and CEO Maslina

Raising Luxury Travel Standards

Maud Truchi is an entrepreneur who has merged her experiences in banking, luxury goods, wine, investments and tourism to create the five-star Maslina Resort, thus realising her childhood dream. She combines the needs of today’s high-end travellevers with sustainability and elevates luxury travel...

Dina Serdarušić, COO, Eurovilla Luxury Real Estate Agency

Eurovilla’s Path to Real Estate Success

In an insightful interview, Dina Serdarušić, COO of Eurovilla Luxury Real Estate Agency, shares the company’s journey from a small family business in 2002 to becoming Zagreb’s leading real estate agency. She discusses the importance of setting ambitious goals, personalising client interactions, and...

Prokopije Perić, CEO, Plus d.o.o. Podgorica

First Place is Not Relinquished

As Montenegro’s peak tourist season fast approaches, and is set to be particularly significant for this company due to the launch of a new smokeless tobacco product device, Prokopije Perić, CEO of Podgorica-based Plus d.o.o., proudly discusses the company’s excellent business results and...

Luxury Tourism

Refined Luxuries

Luxury Travel Beyond the Ordinary

Luxury tourism epitomises the pinnacle of travel experiences, characterised by unparalleled indulgence, exclusivity and sophistication. It caters to discerning travellers who seek uniquely tailored experiences that offer the highest levels of comfort, privacy, and personalised service. This sector of the tourism industry has evolved...

Feature

Leading Industries in the Adria Region

The Adria region boasts a diverse and dynamic economic landscape, with certain sectors standing out for their development and impact across multiple countries The Adria region, a vibrant economic powerhouse, has emerged as a beacon of growth driven by strategic investments and innovative enterprises....

Culture

Vlatko Stefanovski, Musician

50 Years of Tradition and Innovation

For me, music is the quickest link to connect with the universe, with some cosmic balance. Perfect harmony exists in the universe, in that chaos. Music can also be chaos. From notes, tones and sounds. Organise that chaos, those frequencies, and making that...

Paris 2024 Olympics

Paris Olympics 2024

Stars Aim for Glory at Paris Olympics

NOVAK ĐOKOVIĊSerbian tennis player Being part of the Olympic Games and representing your country is a huge privilege and honour. part of the oldest event in the sport’s history. Of course, winning a gold medal or any medal for my country is a...

Art

A Cinematic Haven in the Adria Region

Captivating landscapes, competitive production costs, rich film heritage, skilled crews and enticing financial incentives draw foreign film crews to the region. Croatia and Serbia, in particular, are becoming hotspots for big-budget studio projects The Adria Region, a rising star in the film and television...
Global Waves
Local Victories
No.3
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