Interview: Igor Karadarević - Director of the program "Rhythm of Europe"
Who makes the team, and how did the idea of In the Rhythm of Europe arise?
The idea of the "Rhythm of Europe" was created when my dear colleague Mr. David Makević, who is the CEO of the "Rhythm of Europe" for ten countries, and myself decided that it is necessary for our youngest to have a project that will return song and play into their lives, and enable them to meet other nations and cultures through socializing, playing, dancing, learning the languages of other nations and traveling to the European countries. The "Rhythm of Europe" was created 11 years ago, and is made up of more than 60 people. David Makević, the CEO of the "Rhythm of Europe" is also in top management, I am a chief of the TV program of the "Rhythm of Europe", and Mr. Lazar Veselinović is the protocol and organization chief.
Do you strengthen the national brand(s) with it, and what is your mission?
The "Rhythm of Europe" exists in ten European countries and in each country as an organization that carries the name of that country, so in Serbia there is "Serbia in the Rhythm of Europe", in Croatia "Croatia in the Rhythm of Europe", in Montenegro "Montenegro in the Rhythm of Europe", in Cyprus "Cyprus in the Rhythm of Europe", in Sweden "Sweden in the Rhythm of Europe", and so on for every country in which the "Rhythm of Europe" exists. In each of these countries the "Rhythm of Europe" aims to promote positive aspects of lives of young people through song and dance. Our mission is that the children of Europe sing in all languages of the European countries, and hang out together regardless of borders. Why wouldn't the children from Kotor travel to Cyprus, and children from Larnaka, for example, traveled to Croatia, and hang out with their peers? We believe that strengthening the national brand is certainly allowing our youngsters to travel freely, sing, dance and make new friends all over Europe and the world.
"We believe that strengthening the national brand is certainly allowing our youngsters to travel freely, sing, dance and make new friends all over Europe and the world."
You are seen in diplomatic circles quite often; where do you see space for an even better communication with the public?
The "Rhythm of Europe" regularly works on finding new ways of communicating with the public, which is reflected in constant interaction through social networks. However, as the "Rhythm of Europe" is a TV project, the greatest support in communicating with the public is achieved with our business partners - television broadcasters with national coverage. In Serbia, The First Serbian Television (PRVA TV) broadcasts live competition "Serbia in the Rhythm of Europe" from the city of the winner of previous season of the competition, while in Montenegro television broadcast is realized by Radio and Television of Montenegro. Of course, we are involved in the communication with the public through local media (television, radio, newspapers, internet portals) in every city and municipality where the "Rhythm of Europe" is being realized.
Who, in your opinion, communicates on social networks the best, and in what way?
The Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Belgrade - His Excellency Mr. Konstantinos Eliades, and the former Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia in Belgrade, Mr. Gordan Markotic.
I have chosen the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus because Cyprus is a sister country to the Republic of Serbia, very much appreciates the "Rhythm of Europe", responds to all the protocol calls that the "Rhythm of Europe" sends to the Embassy of Cyprus, and has enabled us to held meetings in Cyprus regarding the implementation of Cyprus in the "Rhythm of Europe".
I have chosen the former ambassador of the Republic of Croatia because he is a real career diplomat with real diplomatic answers, behavior, not only on social networks, but in every part of his life, while respecting people around him, the "Rhythm of Europe", my colleague Mr. David Makevic, children who participate in the project, and me.
What is the biggest challenge during the implementation of the project In the Rhythm of Europe? How many participants have participated in the project?
Challenges appear almost everyday, and the whole team of the "Rhythm of Europe" is always up to the task to solve them. I could not highlight a particular challenge as the biggest because each and every one of them is difficult and unique to the situation it appears in.
Regarding the participants who participated in the "Rhythm of Europe" , I do not know the exact number, to be honest. Let's say there were about 30,000 children in 11 years of work.
Which embassies have greatly recognized the significance of this project, and what are the reasons why other embassies should support it?
The "Rhythm of Europe" enjoys great support and respect from all embassies in every country in which the project is being realized. I would like to point out that the "Rhythm of Europe", in a Eurovision kind of way, includes embassies of the Commonwealth of Australia and the Country of Israel, and though they are not parts of Europe geographically.
What are the future intentions of your project?
The wish of the "Rhythm of Europe" is to organize the first big international competition of winners of all countries in which the "Rhythm of Europe" is realized, in Novi Sad, Serbia in 2021. The entire event would be broadcast by national television broadcasters from all participating countries.
When I say web diplomacy, what comes to your mind?
Methods of communication, acquisition of knowledge and skills, ability to negotiate, and international relations through the prism of a modern man.
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