AGP Executive Report

Wimbledon Shock: Novak Djokovic’s run ended with a straight-sets 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 loss to Jannik Sinner, but the Serbian says he’d like to return “at least one more time.” EU Rule-of-Law Pressure: MEPs warn Serbia’s EU path is stalled, citing weak reform implementation, rule-of-law concerns, and misalignment with EU foreign policy. Diplomacy in Rome: Marko Đurić met Hungary’s Anita Orbán, stressing continued cooperation and pushing for Cluster 3 to open, calling reforms a “quantum leap” in legislation. Aviation Emergency: A Ryanair Boeing 737 from Thessaloniki to Germany returned after a cabin window dislodged mid-flight; a 61-year-old Serbian passenger was injured after being pulled back in by fellow travelers and his wife. Books Returned: Serbia’s Customs ordered the return of seized Bulgarian books from journalist Aleksandar Dimitrov, ending a three-year dispute and awarding legal costs. Fuel Prices: Serbia’s finance ministry says fuel excise taxes will be reduced Monday to support price stability and curb inflation.

Serbia’s Economy Watch: A new analysis points to Serbia’s economic rise as a mix of political stability, smart development policy, infrastructure investment, foreign investment pull, fiscal discipline and a long-term vision—highlighting wage growth that pushed average net pay from 366 euros (2012) to 1,036 euros by March 2026. Monetary Policy: The National Bank of Serbia kept the key rate unchanged at 5.75%, citing inflation within target but warning global geopolitical and commodity risks could keep pressure around late 2026/early 2027. Diplomacy & Community: Serbia held bilateral political consultations with Romania in Bucharest, stressing cooperation in economy, infrastructure, energy and culture, and focusing on the Serbian community in Romania and Romania’s minority in Serbia. Cybersecurity Ties: Azerbaijan and Serbia met in Baku to expand military cybersecurity cooperation, including protection of critical infrastructure and joint training. Regional Energy: Serbia is among operators discussing the expanded Vertical Corridor gas project, as Greece-to-Central Europe talks add Slovakia and Hungary for the first time. Human Stories: UNFPA data says young people in Eastern Europe and Central Asia still want marriage and children, but financial barriers are delaying parenthood. Travel Safety: Reports say a 61-year-old Serbian man was restrained after a Ryanair window shattered on a Thessaloniki-to-Germany flight, forcing an emergency return. Sport Spotlight: Djokovic and Sinner meet in a Wimbledon semi-final expected around 3:30 p.m. BST, with Serbia’s Arena Sport carrying coverage.

EU Accession Standoff: President Aleksandar Vučić thanked EU leaders after Serbia secured support to open Cluster 3, as multiple member states still block progress over rule-of-law concerns. Border & Security: Serbia’s Interior Minister Ivica Dacic welcomed the opening of a second section of the Gradina–Kalotina checkpoint with Bulgaria, aiming to ease summer travel while cracking down on cross-border crime. Diplomacy: PM Djuro Macut met Mexico’s ambassador on trade and cooperation, while Marko Đurić held talks with China’s ambassador on investments, AI and Kosovo-Metohija; Serbia also continued consultations with ministers on reforms and the Judicial Academy. Economy & Energy: The National Bank of Serbia kept the key policy rate at 5.75%, and Serbia launched the second phase of biomass district heating (31.9m euros) to expand clean heat in multiple cities. Local Tourism & Industry: The “Villages of Serbia” rural tourism platform went live, and Serbia’s berry sector pushes into fresh markets with modern genetics. Sports: Wimbledon semi-final focus: Novak Djokovic faces Jannik Sinner after Sinner reportedly avoided training alongside him; Serbia’s Nikola Kusturica signed with UCLA.

Belgrade–Beijing Ties: Serbia’s FM Marko Đurić met China’s ambassador Li Ming to push new cooperation in economy, defense, science, innovation and AI, while also raising Kosovo-Metohija and the need to protect Serbian religious and cultural heritage. Monetary Policy Watch: The National Bank of Serbia kept the key policy rate at 5.75%, citing inflation around the target band and risks from the international environment. Rural Tourism Boost: The “Villages of Serbia” digital platform was launched to help local tourism groups promote rural destinations, guides and producers. Renewables in Focus: Homolje’s Gornjak wind farm draft plan is now out for public review, with up to 34 turbines planned by a Turkish-owned investor. EU Accession Pressure: The European Parliament adopted its annual Serbia progress report, warning reforms and rule-of-law implementation remain stalled. Elections Timeline: Vučić says parliamentary elections are likely before a presidential vote, with timing set for August/September and voting possible in October/November. Sports—Wimbledon: Novak Djokovic’s next match is the Wimbledon semi-final vs Jannik Sinner on July 10, with live coverage on BBC.

EU Accession Watch: The European Parliament adopted its annual report on Serbia’s EU progress, warning that reforms are stalling due to weak rule-of-law implementation, gaps between laws and results, and concerns over judiciary independence, media freedom, corruption and organized crime; it also flags Serbia’s ties with Russia and deeper security cooperation with China, and says EU funding should reflect the lack of measurable progress. Belgrade–Pristina: Serbian PM Djuro Macut hosted ambassadors of countries that do not recognize “Kosovo,” urging pressure on Pristina to fulfil the Community of Serb Municipalities obligation under the Brussels Agreement, while insisting dialogue continues but Serbia won’t give up on Kosovo-Metohija. EU Talks Blocked: Eight EU member states opposed opening Serbia’s next accession cluster (Cluster 3) over rule-of-law concerns, while supporters argue Serbia has made enough steps to justify moving ahead. Sports & Society: Novak Djokovic reached the Wimbledon semi-finals after an epic five-set quarter-final, setting up a blockbuster clash with Jannik Sinner; meanwhile, racist commentary around World Cup coverage drew renewed scrutiny. Local Development: Belgrade city council moved to annex 40 acres south of the city, paving the way for about 230 homes and apartments, with a public hearing set for July 20.

Wimbledon Focus: Novak Djokovic set up a blockbuster semi-final with Jannik Sinner after surviving a five-hour, 15-minute, record-long quarter-final vs Felix Auger-Aliassime, winning a fifth-set tiebreak to keep his 25th Grand Slam bid alive. EU Accession & Rule of Law: Brussels’ push to open Serbia’s Cluster 3 stalled as member states failed to back the move, with the Netherlands among those raising concerns over democracy, judicial independence and ties to Russia. Belgrade Public Finances: The IMF’s final opinion on the City of Belgrade’s public finances is due by early September, after reviewing an external audit report, with debts, transit supplier payments, ticket fee waivers and corruption flagged. Local Governance & Transport: Serbia’s capital is also in the spotlight over public transit finances, while Belgrade city transport issues continue to draw attention from watchdogs. Media Freedom: Journalists from Montenegro face entry bans into Serbia, prompting calls from regional media groups to reverse the decisions. Business & Trade: Serbia-UK trade rules improve as amendments to Protocol 3 enter into force, allowing extended cumulation of origin for exporters. Industry: Malbex Carbon says its graphite electrode factory in Merosina is completed, with production planned for September.

Wimbledon Drama: Novak Djokovic survived a five-set thriller with Felix Auger-Aliassime to reach the semi-finals, but his match was also marked by a furious clash with officials over closing the Centre Court roof early. Belgrade–Rome Ties: Serbian PM Djuro Macut held talks with key ministers on speeding up reforms and EU steps, while Serbia’s Vucic met US spiritual adviser Mark Burns to discuss Kosovo-Metohija and protecting Serbian holy sites. EU Accession Reality Check: Vucic said Serbia shouldn’t expect major EU enlargement soon, even as EU candidate countries debate whether to open Cluster 3. Kosovo Accountability: Kosovo’s Ombudsperson launched an investigation into claims of police mistreatment of Serbs arrested at Gazimestan during Vidovdan celebrations. Business & Tech: Serbia will host the ITU AI for Good Impact Europe summit next May during EXPO 2027 in Belgrade. Sports Development: ISSO, ISF Academy and ITTF launched an ITTF Level 1 coach education programme in Noida to boost grassroots table tennis. Media Pressure: The Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation reported 980 verbal attacks on journalists in the first half of the year, with many in June.

EU Enlargement Standoff: The European Commission’s push to open Serbia’s EU accession “Cluster 3” is facing resistance, with the Netherlands reportedly ready to veto and other capitals doubtful about any new cluster soon. Transport & Trade: Serbia and Italy are coordinating on restoring the Belgrade–Trieste railway line, while Italy is set to approve longer-stay “Type D” visas for Serbian professional drivers. City Transport: Belgrade’s GSP “Centar” union says a public-private partnership with Strela will be suspended after talks with President Vučić, with new trolleybus procurement planned. Energy Projects: Serbia’s ministry says six companies have shown interest in building the reversible hydropower plant Djerdap 3. Local Business: eKapija is rolling out local economic and investment portals for every Serbian town and municipality. Sports Spotlight: Wimbledon quarterfinals bring Djokovic vs Felix Auger-Aliassime and Sinner vs Struff, while Djokovic also says he wants to visit India and play cricket with Virat Kohli.

EU Enlargement: A new EU membership assessment leaves Serbia in a bind, with one internal note saying backsliding has been remedied while another flags worsening pressure on civil society and journalists. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Marko Đurić met Ghana’s Deputy FM James Gyakye Quayson in Belgrade, with both sides pushing deeper political and economic ties and Ghana confirming it will take part in EXPO 2027. Iran-U.S. Balancing Act: Serbia sent a minister to Ali Khamenei’s funeral in Tehran while trying to improve relations with the United States, drawing criticism at home. Football & Justice: Serbian prosecutors opened a probe after leaked encrypted messages alleged former FAS chief Slaviša Kokeza discussed using criminal figures to intimidate Nemanja Vidić, sparking a political storm. Media Freedom: BIRN’s Montenegro director Vuk Maras was barred from entering Serbia, with rights groups calling it retaliation. Economy & Industry: Bankom completed a major soy processing expansion, boosting capacity and preparing textured soy protein production. Local Politics: Parliament started an extraordinary sitting with electoral-law changes and a digital media authority interpretation on the agenda.

Media Freedom Clash: BIRN Montenegro executive Vuk Maras was barred from entering Serbia at Belgrade airport, calling it a “protective removal” and linking it to reciprocal bans involving media figures. Parliament & Media Rules: Serbia’s National Assembly opened an extraordinary session with 18 items, including new electoral-law amendments and an interpretation of REM rules that could overturn the November 2025 resignations of four council members. Local Governance & Transparency: A Belgrade-area citizen initiative pushes to curb town spending and boost transparency, including limits on tax hikes and more clarity on how votes affect property taxes. Public Transport Financial Stress: Belgrade’s GSP faces an account freeze risk as suppliers claim up to 6 billion dinars in unpaid debts, with lawsuits and forced collection looming. Public Finance Watch: Serbia’s debt looks “moderate,” but interest costs are among Europe’s highest, raising pressure to control borrowing. EU Path: The Netherlands opposes opening EU Cluster 3 for Serbia over rule-of-law concerns, joined by several other member states. Sports & Society: Wimbledon headlines keep rolling for Novak Djokovic, while World Cup football commentary faces renewed scrutiny over racially coded language.

EU Accession Pressure: The Netherlands says it won’t back opening EU “Cluster 3” for Serbia, citing rule-of-law concerns and warning the move wouldn’t be merit-based; it joins other skeptics including the Baltics and Sweden. EU Path & Stability Pitch: Foreign Minister Marko Đurić told Brussels Serbia is intensifying EU efforts, arguing integration would bring more regional stability and help curb ethno-nationalism. Road Funding: Serbia redirected 1.174 billion dinars from budget reserves to keep building the Raca–Bijeljina highway, with completion targets still tied to October. Minority Rights Implementation: Serbia set up a coordination body to monitor its 2026–2029 minority rights action plan, aiming for real changes in education, jobs and discrimination. Diaspora Voting Worry (Bosnia): Bosnia’s election commission says only a small share of citizens abroad have registered to vote, raising concerns ahead of Oct. 4 polls. Sports (Serbian angle): Novak Djokovic faced a scary Wimbledon disqualification scare after a ball hit the umpire’s chair, while his physical strain and age remain a big storyline.

EU Path Blocked: The Netherlands says it won’t support opening EU accession Cluster 3 for Serbia, citing rule-of-law concerns and Serbia’s refusal to sanction Russia. Highway Funding: Serbia’s Finance Ministry rerouted about 1.174 billion dinars from budget reserves to keep building the Raca–Bijeljina highway. Environment & Migration: Government adopted a Draft Law on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control, including digitalized permit issuance, plus a new Migration Profile for 2025. Energy & Tech: EPS joined the Data Center Association of Serbia, while Vinca Institute and FTN move ahead on a “Nuclear Energy Systems” master’s program. Business Moves: Energoprojekt Holding faces a forced buyout after a state-linked owner crossed 90% stake; Air Serbia hit two million passengers in under six months. Sports Spotlight: Novak Djokovic equalled Roger Federer’s Wimbledon record with a 105th win, while Jannik Sinner advanced too. Football Transfer Watch: Rangers opened talks with Partizan over Vanja Dragojevic, with a reported £3.8m bid.

Wimbledon Milestone: Novak Djokovic matched Roger Federer’s Wimbledon record with a 105th men’s singles win, beating France’s Arthur Rinderknech 7-5, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6, and next faces Roman Safiullin. EU Talks Blocked: The Netherlands says it won’t support opening Serbia’s EU Cluster 3 over rule-of-law concerns, with at least five EU states reportedly opposing the move. Environment & Industry: Serbia’s government adopted a Draft Law on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control, aiming to simplify and digitize integrated permit procedures and boost transparency. Energy & Tech: EPS joined the Data Center Association of Serbia, while the Vinca Institute and FTN are preparing a “Nuclear Energy Systems” master’s program. Business Watch: The state-backed Energoprojekt stake sale pushed ownership past 90%, triggering a forced buyout and paving the way for delisting. Aviation & Travel: Air Serbia hit two million passengers in under six months, with new routes and a loyalty program rollout. Local Life: Belgrade’s Kiwanis Club hosts a free car show on Sunday on Broadway.

Wimbledon Spotlight: Novak Djokovic kept Serbia’s flag flying at Wimbledon, equalling Roger Federer’s record of 105 men’s singles wins after beating France’s Arthur Rinderknech 7-5, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(4) to reach the fourth round. He’ll face Russian qualifier Roman Safiullin next. Sports Buzz: Defending champion Jannik Sinner also advanced, beating Jenson Brooksby 6-4, 6-3, 6-4, setting up a potential Djokovic-Sinner clash later. Media & Society: A regional study on South-East Europe and Türkiye says social media platforms now act as key gateways to news, shaping what audiences see and how media is regulated. Belgrade Community: Kiwanis Club of Belgrade is hosting a free “Cars on Broadway” show in Belgrade on Sunday, July 5, with registration from 7–9 a.m. Diplomacy: Serbia’s EU path stayed in focus as FM Marko Đurić said the country is “doubling down” on accession and regional stability.

Wimbledon Milestone: Novak Djokovic reached the fourth round at Wimbledon by beating Arthur Rinderknech 7-5, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6, equalling Roger Federer’s record of 105 men’s singles match wins at SW19 and setting up a last-16 clash with Roman Safiullin. EU Path & Diplomacy: Serbian FM Marko Đurić said Serbia is “doubling down” on its EU course and prioritising regional peace and better ties with neighbours, while Serbia’s reform progress was highlighted in Brussels. EXPO 2027 (Regional Business): Serbia signed a contract in Belgrade enabling Bosnia and Herzegovina’s participation in EXPO 2027, underlining the expo as a regional project. Energy Infrastructure: Greece and North Macedonia confirmed the gas interconnector schedule, with completion expected in 2027. Politics & Elections: Serbia’s ruling party signalled autumn parliamentary and presidential elections, tied to President Vučić’s planned resignation. Culture & Events: The Palić European Film Festival is set for July 18–22, with screenings across Palić and Subotica. Local Society: A Montenegrin journalist, Petar Komnenić, was banned from entering Serbia in reciprocal media measures.

Kosovo War Crimes Verdict: A retrial in Pristina found Ekrem Bajrović guilty of beating, torturing and killing ethnic Albanian civilians in 1999, sentencing him to 12 years and ordering payments to victims’ funds. Belgrade Infrastructure: PowerChina has applied for a temporary permit to start works on a planned tunnel link between the Sava and Danube slopes, with expropriations expected to run through 2026-27. Roads Tender: Serbia’s transport ministry announced an international tender for rehabilitation of local roads worth about EUR 281 million (33 billion dinars) across four regions. Aviation Dispute: Wizz Air says there’s still no progress in talks over its Belgrade base, warning Serbia’s regulator could force closure from November. Tech & Society: UNICEF reports at least 20 million children in 10 countries are already using AI, including in Serbia, and warns safeguards lag behind uptake. Culture & City Life: Belgrade plans to repurpose EXPO 2027 prefabricated facilities for gyms, schools and other public needs, and to use Fair Hall 1 for the Philharmonic, opera and cabaret.