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Comment by deaux | Hacker News Reader

Out of curiosity what makes Belgrade a tech hub moreso than other capitals with similar population and HDI?

Belgrade, historically, was a "gateway between East and West" and in some ways it still is: as a non-EU member in Europe it has access to a broader range of markets than a lot of other cities. I think recently, the wave of Russian tech workers fleeing Russia has also elevated its "tech hub" status.

> Russian tech workers fleeing Russia has also elevated its "tech hub" status.

Fleeing as in seeking asylum? Or fleeing as in sanctions? If the latter, besides the Slavic nations, I'd have thought Germany, the UAE, Israel, and Canada to be more popular?

Fleeing as in "I don't want to die in Putin's war". I've heard from friends that it's actually becoming an issue with locals there (the overwhelming number of Russians who have moved there) to the point where it's beginning to strain the relationship between Russia and Serbia, who have historically been very closely aligned.

The UAE has an awful climate. Germany is in the EU, with all of its drawbacks. Canada is far away and expensive. (But yes, these are popular.)

Like in avoiding participation and being worried about future, speaking as Russian Kagi user from Belgrade.

Most popular places to move I guess are Georgia(365 daya visa-free, easy to reach), Serbia, UAE, Cyprus, Poland.

My impression is that b/c they're non-EU they've retained a lot more local talent. By contrast, any half decent programmer in Croatia has a very strong incentive to get a job in Germany and make a much higher salary

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