Together with Hungary’s Minister for European Union Affairs János Bóka, Minister of European Integration Tanja Miščević opened the 26th photo exhibition from the “Applied Nostalgia” series today in Budapest, at the Serbian endowment Tökölyanum. This edition of the exhibition is dedicated to Belgrade and Budapest. The photographs of the two cities, taken by Serbian photographer Anđela Stevanović Živković, who captured Budapest, and her Hungarian colleague Anna Júlia Molnár, who portrayed Belgrade, showcase the similarities between the capitals of Serbia and Hungary, the latter country holding the presidency of the EU Council in the second half of the year.
Speaking at the opening, Minister Miščević emphasised the special significance of the exhibition, stating that it demonstrates how “we are the same,” and added: “In these photographs, prepared by a Serbian and a Hungarian photographer, you will see scenes where you cannot tell whether they are from Belgrade or Budapest, whether they feature Serbs or Hungarians. Why? Because we are close in our relations and live in similar ways, whether in Budapest or Belgrade.”
The Minister underlined Serbia’s commitment to further building European values. “We want to show that Serbia belongs to Europe not only geographically but also through its tradition and historical heritage. Our dedication to reforms and adopting European standards proves our readiness to accelerate the European integration process,” said Miščević, reaffirming Serbia’s commitment to the EU accession process and highlighting the importance of reforms and adopting European standards.
“Serbia is determined not only to present itself as a European country but also to build institutions through reforms that will allow us to share the same standards in all areas. We recently adopted the Reform Agenda, which confirms our readiness to accelerate the European integration process,” she said.
The Minister added that Serbia was proud of its European path and shared European values.“This exhibition is an opportunity to show our belonging to Europe, not only geographically but through history, tradition, and our modern contribution to European values,” she noted and recalled the historical importance of Tökölyanum, saying that with the day’s event they also paid tribute to the founder of that cultural institution, Sava Tekelija, the first doctor of law among Serbs, one of those who had laid the foundations for the modern development and European future of Serbia.
Hungarian Minister for European Union Affairs János Bóka expressed satisfaction at opening the exhibition, not only as a European affairs minister but also as a representative of Hungary’s EU Council Presidency.“Looking at Belgrade and other European capitals through the eyes of others, we see fantastic photographs that give longevity to this project and testify to its success. However, the longevity of this project also reflects the fact that the Western Balkans’ EU integration process has taken longer than we had hoped. I believe we should not wait another 20 years for the Western Balkan countries to become EU members,” Minister Bóka stated.
“Hungary’s presidency will do everything possible to facilitate and accelerate the European Union accession process of Serbia and other Western Balkan countries. When I look at the photographs taken in Belgrade and Budapest, I see that we view the world around us in a very similar way. The question is not whether Budapest and Belgrade are similar but how we perceive the world surrounding us,” the Hungarian Minister noted, adding that although the photographs showed that the perspectives of the two peoples were very close and connected by shared values, history and heritage, unfortunately, those commonalities could sometimes divide nations instead of uniting them.
“However, we have shown each other and the world that we are masters of our destiny and history, choosing to let our shared past unite us. We have decided that Serbs in Hungary and Hungarians in Serbia will be bridges connecting our nations, and Hungary has chosen to be the bridge linking Serbia with the European Union,” emphasised János Bóka.
He finally highlighted Serbia’s clear decision to align its future with the EU and its decisive steps on that path, adding that Hungary encouraged and supported the efforts. Minister Bóka concluded his speech at the opening of today’s exhibition with the following words: “Don’t forget, we in the European Union need you at least as much as you want to be part of it.”
Hungarian photographer Anna Júlia Molnár thanked the Ministry of European Integration of the Republic of Serbia for the opportunity to participate in the “Applied Nostalgia” project, stating that she was “completely enchanted” by Belgrade’s vibrant energy and welcoming, kind people. “Belgrade has a very authentic character and atmosphere. Dark blue tones dominate, with a richness of various shades of red that flood the cityscape. These strong national colours are everywhere – in the flags, citizens’ clothing, architecture, and even in the way light falls on the city’s buildings,” said the artist.
Serbia’s Ambassador to Hungary, Aleksandra Đurović, expressed satisfaction that Serbia had opened the doors of Tökölyanum to representatives of the EU and Western Balkans diplomatic corps for the first time. “By opening the Applied Nostalgia exhibition in Tökölyanum, we wanted to contribute to this event, recognising the significance of Hungary’s EU Council Presidency and the excellent relations between Serbia and Hungary. As hosts, alongside the Serbian Orthodox Church, here at Tökölyanum – the Serbian historical, spiritual, cultural, and educational centre in Budapest – I wish you a warm welcome today,” stated Ambassador Đurović.
