Belgrade Hosts Conference of European Freemasons

Around 250 freemasons from 20 European countries have gathered in Belgrade for the two-day conference of the United Grand Lodge of Europe.

Dragoslav Pavlovic, Grand Master of the National Grand Lodge of Serbia, said that people "who are in significant positions, both political and economic, in their countries" are attending the meeting. He declined to give the names of any participants as this is not in line with masonic rules.

Pavlovic described as "a great honour" the fact that the conference is being held in Belgrade, "especially if you take into account the fact that our lodge, together with two French lodges, founded the European Lodge."

Until recently, European masonic conferences were held in Paris; now a different city is chosen for each conference.  

This weekend's conference marks the 100th anniversary since the National Grand Lodge of the Kingdom of Serbia and the Masonic High Council of Serbia were founded.

Pavlovic stressed that the timing of the event and the conference agenda have nothing to do with the current political situation in Serbia, noting that the date was set last year.

"These meetings are held twice a year, and topics are related to the internal affairs of the organisation, from the acceptance of new members to finances, and control of the lodges in Europe," he explained.

It is estimated that there are about 2,500 Masons in Serbia, split into six lodges. Countries normally have one Masonic authority.