AGP Executive Report

Election Integrity Row: The Monarchists-Movement for the Kingdom of Serbia accuse the Interior Ministry of refusing to share voting roll addresses for 130,000 new citizens, warning it signals election fraud. UFC in Belgrade: President Aleksandar Vučić met UFC boss Dana White ahead of UFC Fight Night on Aug. 1, noting tickets sold out in 22 minutes. Kosovo War Remains: Kosovo authorities began excavations in Kalluder after human remains were found; two Kosovo Serbs were arrested over alleged war crimes, while Kosovo published a first institutional list of wartime victims. EU/Media Standards: The EU says Serbia and Montenegro are breaching candidate rules by blocking journalists, after a Serbia-Montenegro reciprocal ban dispute. Energy & Economy: Serbia commissioned about 61 MW of solar in H1, despite permitting and grid-connection delays. Diplomacy: Serbia and Azerbaijan held bilateral consultations in Belgrade, with both sides pledging deeper cooperation. Parliament Debate: Marko Đurić told MPs that responsibility and unity should guide the no-confidence debate amid geopolitical pressure. Tech & Telecom: Telekom Srbija is modernizing customer engagement with SAS AI-driven marketing. Culture: Bosilegrad launched the international folk festival Horo Se Vie, running to Aug. 2.

EU–Serbia Media Row: Brussels says Serbia and Montenegro are breaching EU membership standards by blocking journalists, after Montenegro denied entry to Informer editor Dragan Vučićević and Serbia announced reciprocal restrictions. EU Integration Watch: Serbia’s EU integration minister Nemanja Starović told MPs the government is pushing reforms and received a sixth European Commission recommendation to open Cluster 3. Belgrade Hydrology Response: Deputy PM and Interior Minister Ivica Dačić chaired an emergency team meeting over historically low Danube water levels, urging continuous monitoring and coordinated state action to protect the Danube–Tisa–Danube system. Public Sector Pay Pressure: Apoteka Beograd union leaders say President Vučić promised repayment of 16 months of unpaid salaries within 45 days (or a month), while discussing possible state support vs. concession if losses continue. Culture & Heritage: SANU will host an exhibition on Serbian art from World War II, while Belgrade also marks the legacy of Đorđe Kadijević, a key figure in the Serbian Black Wave. Sports Spotlight: Lin Dan joins EXPO 2027 Belgrade brand ambassadors; and Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka are set to team up for US Open mixed doubles.

EU Media Freedom: The European Commission says reciprocal entry bans on journalists between Serbia and Montenegro raise concerns for media freedom and democratic values, after Montenegrin reporters were blocked from entering Serbia. Regional Mobility: Montenegro extended visa-free entry for Turkish citizens until Oct. 31, while tightening rules for Russians and Belarusians from November as it aligns with EU standards. Politics in Serbia: Ivica Dačić says Serbia’s Socialists are ready for parliamentary and presidential elections, calling the July 27 no-confidence debate “an ordinary political performance.” Belgrade Arena Probe: Serbia’s Third Basic Prosecutor’s Office opened a case over claims that cash allowances were used to recruit people for an SNS rally. Sports Spotlight: Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka headline the revamped US Open mixed doubles entry list. Climate & Safety: Wildfires in France and Spain continue to force evacuations as a new heatwave looms, with the UN warning the climate crisis is escalating. International Tech: Serbia is among countries backing WAICO, a new global AI cooperation organisation.

EU Accession Talks: Serbia named Ljiljana Jevtovic as deputy chief negotiator for EU accession, after PM Djuro Macut’s July 23 decision. Domestic Politics: Parliament opened a no-confidence debate against PM Djuro Macut’s government, with Macut saying the cabinet “fully deserved” the vote and should be judged by results. Economy & Business: Serbian insurtech Ominimo became the country’s first unicorn after raising a Series B that values it at $1.6bn, with plans to expand across Europe and the US. International Cooperation: Serbia and China pledged deeper AI and green-tech cooperation in Belgrade, as ties shift from mining to “data mining.” Culture in Belgrade: The 33rd Belgrade Summer Festival (BELEF) runs 29 July–13 August, with concerts at Princess Ljubica’s Residence including free FMU at BELEF events. Sports (Serbia-linked): Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka headline the U.S. Open Mixed Doubles Championship entry list for Aug. 25–26.

Startup & Investment: Serbian insurtech Ominimo says it has become the country’s first unicorn after a Series B that values it at $1.6bn, with EBRD’s investment arm among backers; the company, founded in 2024, already has nearly 1m users and is profitable. Politics & Parliament: Serbia’s National Assembly has started debating a no-confidence motion against PM Djuro Macut’s cabinet over the “General Staff” affair, with the outcome set to trigger either the government staying put or a 30-day path to forming a new cabinet and possible snap elections. Minimum Wage Talks: Negotiations on Serbia’s 2027 minimum wage are set to begin mid-August, with unions warning they won’t back a plan where the minimum wage rises faster than other earnings, especially in the public sector. Business & Logistics: Hai Robotics says it completed a major HaiPick System 3 rollout for LPP Logistics near Bucharest, serving customers across Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece and Hungary. Society & Accountability: CRTA says reactions to an election poll are being shaped by politics rather than methodology, arguing the opposition is treated as collateral damage in a low-trust environment. Sports: BRAVE CF marks Serbian bantamweight champion Borislav “Zombee” Nikolić’s move to the UFC after a title reign.

Serbia’s Diplomacy in Asia: Foreign Minister Marko Đurić, in Manila for the ASEAN Summit, pushed stronger political and economic ties with Southeast Asia, citing Serbia’s €1.3bn trade with ASEAN and urging more participation in Expo 2027 Belgrade. Bilateral Talks: Đurić also met Chile’s foreign minister, with both sides discussing deeper cooperation and reaffirming Serbia’s position on Kosovo. Anti-Corruption Push: BIRODI backs amendments to the Law on the Prevention of Corruption, calling for a clear separation between state functions and party roles, plus integrity plans for officials and political parties. Democracy vs. Distrust: A new survey highlights a gap in Serbia: many still support democracy in principle, but trust in institutions is low, with protests seen as a potential electoral alternative. Public Safety Concerns: Serbia’s LGBTQ+ community faces an “epidemic of violence,” after a reported attack in Belgrade and renewed calls for better protection. Environment & Economy: Historic Danube low water levels are disrupting shipping and energy supply, stranding boats and exposing riverbank wrecks.

Drought Shock for Serbia: The Danube hit record lows, stranding boats and disrupting shipping and fuel imports across Serbia and Croatia, with authorities warning navigation and energy supplies could take a hit. Belgrade Pride Under Pressure: Serbia’s LGBTQ+ community is facing an “epidemic of violence,” after a stabbing attack on a drag performer and renewed concerns about protection and rising hostility. Sports—Serbia on the Move: Air Serbia set a new daily passenger record, while Serbia’s film scene gets a boost with an Italian/Serbian feature shot entirely in Serbia set for Venice. Regional Politics—Kosovo Courts: Kosovo’s Kurti told the EU Serb judges and prosecutors who resigned can’t return outside Kosovo’s legal system, complicating stalled institution talks. International Spotlight: A UN tribunal prosecutor warns India may be sliding toward crimes against humanity, and Serbia’s human rights campaigners are cited in the broader debate. Tennis Update: Djokovic and Sinner withdrew from the Montreal Masters, adding to the pre-US Open reshuffle.

Danube Drought Disrupts Serbia: The Danube hit historic lows in Serbia and Croatia, stranding boats, slowing shipping and affecting fuel imports and energy supplies. Belgrade Pride Under Pressure: Serbia’s LGBTQ+ community is facing an “epidemic of violence,” after attacks in Belgrade and growing fears that protection for minorities and activists is not guaranteed. Sports Diplomacy & Serbia on the Move: Serbia’s Mediterranean Games team was presented in Taranto with major international attention, while Hearts of Oak named Serbian coach Nebojsa Kapor as they rebuild for Ghana’s 2026/27 season. EU Politics in the Region: Kosovo’s acting PM Albin Kurti told the EU that Serb judges and prosecutors who resigned can’t return outside Kosovo’s legal system, keeping the stalled dialogue in focus. Serbia in Culture: The Italian/Serbian film Balcanica—shot entirely in Serbia—was set for Venice’s Giornate degli Autori competition. International Sports Update: Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic withdrew from the Montreal Masters, citing health and scheduling.

Kosovo–EU Judicial Talks: Albin Kurti told EU envoy Peter Sorensen that Serb judges and prosecutors who resigned in 2022 can’t return outside Kosovo’s legal system, as Brussels pushes to restore institutions and restart the dialogue. Serbia Politics: Serbia’s parliament will hold an extraordinary session on July 27 to consider a vote of no confidence in the government, with the opposition citing culture-ministry and General Staff monument issues. Belgrade–Regional Security: Interior Minister Ivica Dačić and Hungary’s Gábor Posfai discussed cooperation on the Western Balkans migration route, including a new human trafficking agreement and plans for an Interpol regional bureau in Belgrade. Air Serbia Record: Air Serbia carried 22,098 passengers in one day on July 20—its best single-day result—highlighting strong demand across the region and beyond. Culture & Film: Serbia-shot Italian/Serbian coproduction “Balcanica” heads to Venice 2026, with the film entirely filmed in Serbia and premiering in the Giornate degli Autori competition.

Parliament Showdown: Serbia’s parliament speaker Ana Brnabić scheduled an extraordinary session for July 27 to debate a no-confidence vote against the government, after opposition filed the motion in February. Politics & Elections: President Aleksandar Vučić says early parliamentary elections are likely in October or early November, with a separate presidential vote later, and he hints another term could be “sufficient.” Governance & Economy: PM Djuro Macut chaired a GDP-growth coordination council meeting focused on industrial output, investment, and agriculture, including measures against African swine fever. Public Trust: A new survey says many Serbians believe major powers—including the US, Russia, the EU and China—shape Serbia’s political decisions, with corruption also seen as a key threat. Aviation & Travel: Air Serbia set a new single-day record, carrying 22,098 passengers on July 20, while flights to Tivat were disrupted by birds on the runway. Belgrade Spotlight: The Equality Commissioner urged Belgrade Mayor Aleksandar Šapić to avoid posts that could inflame hatred after his earlier Mladić-related social media content.

Parliament & Politics: Serbia’s parliament speaker Ana Brnabić scheduled a Monday 10 a.m. session to debate a no-confidence motion against the government, requested by 109 MPs and filed by 62 opposition lawmakers. Elections & Leadership: President Aleksandar Vučić says parliamentary elections will be held in October or early November, while a presidential vote would come later; he also plans a prime minister comeback after resigning as president. Diplomacy: Marko Đurić met Philippine FM Theresa Lazaro in Manila, pushing stronger Serbia–ASEAN ties and urging participation in Expo 2027 in Belgrade. Economy & Business: Czech PM Andrej Babiš led a business delegation to Belgrade to boost investment links; Serbia–Czech trade topped €2.3bn and Vučić wants the joint committee upgraded. Security & Borders: Serbia is setting up a customs/border checkpoint at Belgrade’s central railway station, as EU border systems and queues remain a hot travel topic. Sports: Portsmouth signed Serbian striker Marko Milovanović; Meridianbet became official sports betting sponsor of UFC Fight Night Belgrade on Aug. 1. Culture & Society: An Albury academic backs Europe’s new rules to curb sexualised filming of female athletes, calling for similar standards.

Czech-Serbian Business Push: Czech PM Andrej Babiš led a delegation to Belgrade to boost investment ties, citing €2.3bn trade and urging bigger Czech roles in Serbia’s infrastructure, defence, transport and tech. ASEAN Outreach: Foreign Minister Marko Đurić in Manila said Serbia wants deeper cooperation with ASEAN, highlighting €1.3bn trade and pushing Expo 2027 participation. Kosovo Tensions: UN officials were told Pristina is acting unilaterally by tearing down Serb-owned homes near Lake Gazivode and using politically motivated arrests; Serbia’s defence chief also urged KFOR to protect Serbs and heritage under UNSCR 1244. Energy & Economy: Serbia approved firms’ use of operational euro-diesel reserves amid Danube-linked import limits, while UniCredit Serbia and KfW launched a €43mn green financing line for efficiency and renewables. Culture & Society: A free Italy-Serbia Orchestra concert at the Synagogue explores myths through music; an Albury academic backs Europe’s push to curb sexualised coverage of female athletes.

Elections & Governance: President Aleksandar Vučić told reporters after meeting Czech PM Andrej Babiš that parliamentary elections are expected in October or November, with a presidential vote “later,” while he also said Serbia is pushing toward the EU single market. EU Enlargement & Civil Society: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos warned of a surge in smear campaigns and personal attacks against Serbian civil society, citing death threats against Get Going for Change leader Savo Manojlovic. Kosovo Tensions: A fresh backlash followed Serbian minister Snežana Paunović’s remarks about “ethnically cleansing Kosovo,” with critics saying little has changed despite outrage. Economy & Trade: Serbia and Czechia are stepping up business ties, with a Belgrade roundtable on new economic collaboration; trade between the two reached about €1bn in Jan–May 2026. Jobs & Precarity: Eurostat data show 14.5% of Serbian workers on fixed-term contracts, above the EU average. Infrastructure: Works are underway on two sections of the future Sarajevo–Belgrade highway in Semberija, including a 17.7-km stretch toward Brčko. Transport & Border: Serbia has set up a customs checkpoint at Belgrade’s Prokop station to enable the planned relaunch of international rail services to Budapest and Vienna. Public Safety: Serbia’s port authority warned low Danube water levels could halt river navigation and urged people not to walk on sandbanks.

Danube Navigation Warning: Serbia’s port administration says exceptionally low Danube water levels near Novi Sad, Bezdan, Apatin and Bogojevo could force suspension of river navigation, urging captains to follow depth limits and warning people not to walk on new sandbanks. Rail Border Control: Serbia has set up a customs and border checkpoint at Belgrade Centre (Prokop) station to enable the planned relaunch of international high-speed passenger services to Budapest and Vienna within 1–2 months. Czech-Serbian Talks: Czech PM Andrej Babiš arrives for a two-day visit, with meetings and a business roundtable planned with Serbian officials and President Aleksandar Vučić. Kosovo Rule-of-Law Pressure: EU and OSCE missions criticized Kosovo police for demolishing 11 Serb-owned villas near Lake Ujman/Gazivoda, calling for due process and a halt to further forced removals. Interpol Activists Case: Novi Sad group STAV says Interpol’s rejection of Serbia’s arrest-warrant request for six activists confirms the case is politically motivated. Aviation Incident Update: A Serbian passenger partially sucked out of a Ryanair window after an explosion says the sound still haunts him as authorities continue the investigation. Culture & Sports: Brkovi announce a Belgrade open-air show on 12 September, while Serbian judo champion Aleksandar Kukolj discusses building the sport’s future through new clubs and coaching.

Serbia–U.S. Pivot: The first Strategic Dialogue between Washington and Belgrade opened a new chapter, with energy cooperation and regional security among the key outcomes, while the U.S. also pressed Kosovo to protect minorities. Kosovo Rule-of-Law Clash: The EU is alarmed after Kosovo confirmed resignations of Serb prosecutors, saying the move may conflict with due process and rule-of-law commitments. Parliament Showdown: Serbia’s National Assembly is set to debate an opposition no-confidence motion against PM Djuro Macut’s cabinet on July 27, with analysts expecting the vote to fail as the government aims to control the election timetable. China Bet Under Scrutiny: Analysts say Vučić’s deepening ties with Beijing—now focused more on tech, AI, robotics and energy—could complicate Serbia’s EU path. Transport & Trade: United Group agreed to sell Serbia’s D Express to Austrian Post, expanding the parcel network under one operator. Aviation Shock: Serbian businessman Ljubiša Karović, injured after being partly sucked out of a Ryanair window, described the “nightmare” and panic attacks he still suffers. Sports Leadership: ISF elected Zeljko Tanaskovic as president for 2026–2030, and Hearts of Oak is close to appointing Serbian coach Nebolja Kapor.

EU Path Under Pressure: President Vučić’s China trip signals deeper Serbia-China ties in AI, robotics and energy as EU accession credibility faces fresh strain. Leadership Shake-Up: Vučić says he will resign as president and seek a mandate to become prime minister, with early parliamentary elections expected after the government steps down. Postal & Parcel Deal: United Group agreed to sell D Express to Austrian Post, merging operations to expand Serbia’s parcel network. Energy Project Tender: Serbia published a tender for spatial planning and technical documentation for the Djerdap 3 pumped-storage hydropower plant. US-Serbia Relations: Foreign Minister Marko Đurić says Serbia is pursuing a balanced foreign policy and highlights the new strategic dialogue with the United States. Kosovo Justice: Kosovo’s acting president dismissed seven Serb prosecutors after a long unresolved process tied to northern institutions. Belgrade Security Debate: Opposition claims Belgrade Mayor Aleksandar Šapić is pushing a costly parallel security setup via a private company. Travel Safety Shock: A Serbian passenger’s account of a Ryanair window incident is fueling renewed scrutiny of airline safety. Sport & Culture: Red Star advanced after Larne’s 4-0 loss; Italian theatre company Motus withdraws from BITEF over “artistic freedom” concerns.