Ambassador - Serbia
Ambassador Martijn Elgersma: ‘The Netherlands and Serbia can do more together than we think’
What was your first impression of Belgrade? And what did you notice in your first months as ambassador?
‘What I noticed in those first months was how easy it was to get people talking. People here are very open, and they like to explain things about their country. I was immediately drawn into the complicated discussion around Serbia’s EU accession and the Netherlands’ critical stance on that. We may not agree on everything, but the conversations I’ve had are always pleasant and useful.
Belgrade is a fascinating city and I’m constantly discovering new things here. The Sava and the Danube separate the old and new city districts. Our embassy is in the New Belgrade district, where the buildings are more modern compared to the traditional architecture of the old city. It’s enjoyable to wander around in the narrow streets – everywhere you go there’s art on the walls and lots of nice outdoor cafés.’
What issues does the embassy work on?
‘The Netherlands plays an active role in Serbia, and our embassy works on issues that have to do with EU accession, such as strengthening democracy and the rule of law. Serbia plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the Balkans. The government has committed itself to an ambitious slate of reforms in order to join the EU, though we see that’s not really going smoothly. Here at the embassy we try to keep the dialogue on this issue alive, and we support both civil society organisations and the government.
We also play a role in the economic dimension. Thanks to positive economic developments in recent years and considerable investment in infrastructure – in part via EU funding – we see potential for a further increase in trade and investment here. It’s clear there are real opportunities for the Netherlands here in Serbia which we need to explore, even though conversations are sometimes complex.
What are those conversations about?
‘People in Serbia have differing opinions on what direction the country should take. Surveys indicate that support for EU accession has declined. Many conversations about relations with the West are coloured by people’s experiences during the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s. For the generation who were children during NATO’s bombing of Belgrade in 1999, that’s a traumatic memory. It’s important to listen to people’s experiences rather than rushing to judgment. That’s the only way to start conversations.’
What kind of projects is the embassy working on?
‘Last year we finished a cooperative project between the Dutch Land Registry and those of all of the Western Balkan countries. The Netherlands has a good reputation in this area. A properly functioning land registry is essential for combating corruption.
Democracy and the rule of law are our priorities, and that’s reflected in our projects. Right now we have a project that aims to improve transparency and the protection of public interests in relation to government funding for the media. Another one focuses on the problem of investigative journalists being subjected to prosecution as a means of muzzling them.
We’re seeing interesting economic developments in sectors like IT, agribusiness and infrastructure development. One of Serbia’s biggest IT companies is a Dutch investment project. But I recently talked to someone from another IT company here that wants to establish its headquarters in Amsterdam. The embassy can help it forge the connections it needs for that.’
How does the embassy contribute to cultural projects?
‘Our embassy has a small budget for cultural projects, which we use to raise the Netherlands’ profile in Serbia.
One of the projects the embassy set up is Female Role Models, which arranged for murals depicting historically significant and successful Serbian women to be painted in various places across the country. The Dutch street artist Judith de Leeuw was involved in the project – she painted a mural in Belgrade. Female Role Models won a major feminist prize in Serbia, and it was such a success there that we’re continuing it in Montenegro. The theme of the project was women in society, which is a hot topic here. So it sparked some interesting discussions.’
What ambitions do you have for the coming period?
‘The ministry has a strategy for the Western Balkans that is focused on more intensive contact. I often point out that there’s more scope for cooperation between the Netherlands and Serbia and Montenegro than we think. I try to help people here understand that the Netherlands isn’t just a critical voice: we’re genuinely interested and ready to work together.
Ultimately, we need to show these countries that reforms in democracy and the rule of law aren’t just boxes to tick for EU accession, but that they’re in their own best interests generally. Besides that, I’m eager to add depth to our cultural and business cooperation. Right now we’re working on a new edition of the Balkan Business Days, an initiative to inform Dutch companies about developments and opportunities in the Balkans.'
How do you relax after a long day at work?
‘Serbia is a great place to relax. I love cycling, so in the weekends I often go mountain biking or walking in the hills. The landscape is stunning. You can join an organised hike and visit really special places. Walking doesn’t just keep me active – it’s also a good way to get acquainted with whatever environment I’m in. Montenegro is really beautiful too, with its pretty coastline and mountains. I’ll certainly try to do some cycling and walking there too.’