AGP Executive Report

Extreme Heat in Serbia and Europe: A record-breaking heatwave is still gripping the region, with red alerts in parts of Italy and the Balkans and Serbia forecast to hit around 39C; Belgrade streets were largely deserted as residents limited outdoor time, drank water, and relied on shade and fountains. Animal Trafficking Case: Serbia’s eastern imperial eagle Feliks has returned home after a cross-border kidnapping and illegal sale ordeal tied to profit-driven wildlife trafficking, with rescuers warning the problem is worsening. EU Integration Talks: Serbia’s EU integration minister Nemanja Starović met Austria’s Claudia Bauer in Vienna to discuss reform progress and expectations for opening Cluster 3, plus cooperation around EXPO 2027 Belgrade. Freedom of Information Pressure: A new Western Balkans report says FoI requests are rising but access is still routinely blocked through delays, refusals, and weak enforcement—Serbia is included among the countries studied. Culture in Belgrade: A free concert in Belgrade on 5 July brings together the Children’s Philharmonic and the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra for “Musical Encounter: USA and Serbia.” Sport—Wimbledon Buzz: Serena Williams’ Wimbledon comeback ended in a first-round loss to Maya Joint, while Novak Djokovic advanced and urged rule changes to keep tennis more watchable.

Heatwave Watch: Europe’s record heatwave is easing but still threatens over 95 million people with 35C+ temperatures on Tuesday, with Serbia among the countries expected to feel the worst of the next wave. Election Pressure on Vučić: Serbia’s president is accused of using a new €600mn pre-election aid package and a pensioners-focused address to campaign for parliamentary elections that haven’t been scheduled, as protests continue. Politics Next Move: Vučić says he will step down within weeks and aims to become prime minister, while critics argue the resignation is a strategy to manage the political calendar. Football Corruption Claims: Leaked encrypted chats allege former Serbian FA chief Slaviša Kokeza discussed intimidating or arranging violence against ex-captain Nemanja Vidić after his public criticism. Wimbledon Serbia Spotlight: Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner both advanced after tough first rounds, while Aryna Sabalenka eased past a Serbian qualifier on Centre Court. Wildlife Rescue: Feliks the eastern imperial eagle has returned to Serbia after being kidnapped and illegally traded across the Middle East, rescued via a cross-border operation. Humanitarian Partnership: BingX and Save the Children will support at-risk children in Serbia and Bosnia with cash vouchers and essential aid.

Elections Shake-Up: Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić says early general elections will be held in the next 3–4 months and he will resign ahead of the vote, but critics doubt it’s the end—some expect a return to power as prime minister. Protest Pressure: The announcement comes as student-led and broader street protests continue, with opponents pointing to corruption claims and past tragedies as proof the system needs change. Heatwave Crisis: A record-breaking heatwave is pushing temperatures to dangerous levels across Serbia and the Balkans, with warnings up to around 39°C and wildfire fears rising as Europe’s health systems struggle. Media Freedom Watch: A new EU media monitor flags Serbia as one of the worst performers for journalist safety and working conditions, citing high risks and weak protection. Wimbledon Serbia Spotlight: Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner both advanced on day one, with Sinner surviving a scare against Miomir Kecmanović and Djokovic also winning to keep Serbia’s tennis hopes alive.

Protests & Politics: Serbia’s Aleksandar Vučić says he will resign within weeks, but thousands keep rallying—especially in Kraljevo—fearing he’ll keep power by moving to prime minister or installing an ally. Kosovo Tensions: “Kosovo police” arrested 36 Serbs at the Gazimestan memorial near Pristina, including a minor, after searches and clashes during St Vitus Day commemorations; Serbia’s Kosovo office calls it repression. Heatwave & Wildfires: A record-breaking European heatwave is hitting the Balkans hard, with Serbia warned to reach 39°C and wildfires reported in Serbia and Albania, while Croatia issued red alerts. Belgrade Development: Belgrade Waterfront received a building permit for a residential and business complex on the former BAS site, with 629 apartments and 823 parking spaces. Transport & Infrastructure: Serbia formed a working group to assess a Sinohydro offer for the Valjevo–Bijelo Polje rail reconstruction, and EPS is advancing access roads for the RHPP Bistrica project. Energy Costs: Serbia increased fuel excise duty by about 5.5% for one week starting June 29. Diplomacy: Serbia approved a Sao Tome and Principe consulate in Belgrade, and Foreign Minister Marko Đurić met Brazil’s FM to stress cooperation and support on Kosovo. Sports: Wimbledon opens in London with Serbian Miomir Kecmanović facing Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka playing Teodora Kostović; Serbia’s protests and the heatwave continue to shape daily life.

Protests & Politics: Thousands of Serbs—many students—kept rallying in Kraljevo on Sunday, pressing President Aleksandar Vučić even after he said he will resign “within weeks,” with critics warning he may keep power by shifting to prime minister or backing an ally. Heatwave Crisis: Europe’s deadly heatwave is worsening, with WHO reporting over 1,300 excess deaths since June 21 and forecasts of extreme temperatures affecting Serbia and much of central and eastern Europe. Elections Watch: Vučić’s resignation promise is tied to early presidential and parliamentary polls, but he gave no dates, leaving uncertainty over how power will actually change hands. Defense Policy: Serbia plans to reintroduce mandatory military service from next March for men under 30, reversing the long-standing professional-only model. Justice & Rights: A new NGO report says Serbia recorded at least 110 cases of war-crimes denial or dispute by officials in 2025. Sports (Local): Unicaja coach Txus Vidorreta has started a squad overhaul, adding Cameron Hunt and bringing back Pantzar as the club reshapes its roster.

Serbian Politics: Aleksandar Vučić says he will resign within weeks and trigger early presidential and parliamentary elections, after 18 months of student-led anti-corruption protests sparked by the 2024 Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse; he told supporters he’ll back the Serbian Progressive Party and proposed an electoral list called “United Serbia,” but gave no exact dates. Sanctions & Security: The US renewed its Western Balkans sanctions framework and lists 131 people/entities across the region, with Serbia the most targeted at 49, citing alleged organised crime, corruption, terrorism links, and efforts to help Russia bypass restrictions. Heat & Health: A major European heatwave is forecast to push at least 191 million people to 35C+ on Sunday, with Serbia among the affected countries. Sports & Culture: Novak Djokovic says he hopes to meet Virat Kohli in India soon, while Serena Williams’ Wimbledon return is drawing major attention.

Serbia’s Political Shake-Up: President Aleksandar Vučić says he will resign “within weeks,” triggering early presidential and parliamentary elections after 18 months of student-led anti-government protests tied to the 2024 Novi Sad railway station disaster that killed 16 people. He didn’t give exact dates, but says he’ll back the ruling Serbian Progressive Party under a new electoral list name, “United Serbia,” as he signals he may still lead the party into the next phase. Public Life & Culture: Belgrade’s library and community center is inviting the public to a free evening with poet laureate Allen Morris Jones as part of the Montana Conversations program. Sports Spotlight: Novak Djokovic praised Serena Williams’ Wimbledon comeback as “inspirational” and “epic,” saying he’s seen her training harder than ever. Local Economy: Arilje, Serbia’s “raspberry capital,” remains a major exporter, but producers warn that unpredictable weather and unstable prices are squeezing the business. Tech & Research: Serbia’s government approved talks to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, making Serbia a founding member.

Extreme Heat Emergency: Serbia has issued a Red Code for dangerously high temperatures on Saturday, with forecasts of 35–39°C, alongside wildfire risk warnings and reports of rising emergency calls and heat-related health strain. Public Health Under Pressure: Across Europe, the heatwave is breaking records and forcing event cancellations, with hospitals reporting increased emergency demand as temperatures push deeper east. Belgrade Business & Jobs: Kansai Helios Group says it will gradually relocate production from Zagreb to Slovenia and Serbia, reshaping the regional manufacturing footprint. Healthcare Investment: Thubrikar Aortic Valve expands its TAVI-1 CE Mark trial with MAC’s MEDICAL Group, adding Croatia and Serbia to the study rollout. Sports Spotlight: Novak Djokovic is set to chase a 25th Wimbledon title, while Prime Video will premiere the Djokovic documentary “The Wolf in Winter” in August. Local Economy & Exports: Serbia’s raspberry sector remains a global exporter story, with Arilje producers warning that unpredictable weather and unstable prices are adding pressure.

Belgrade Sports: Wilson Schmidt, a Belgrade High senior, was named Gatorade Montana Boys Track and Field Player of the Year after breaking the state AA 800m record with 1:49.29 and earning All-American honors; he heads to Oklahoma State this fall. Wimbledon & Serbia Spotlight: Novak Djokovic’s Prime Video documentary “The Wolf in Winter” premieres Aug. 20, while Wimbledon’s draw sets Djokovic in the same half as Jannik Sinner and Serena Williams returns to singles against Australia’s Maya Joint. Energy & Industry: Kansai Helios Group says it will gradually relocate production from Zagreb to sites in Slovenia and Serbia. Tech & Security: A new SharkLoader malware campaign is deploying Cobalt Strike Beacon, with targets including entities linked to Serbia. Politics & Economy: Serbia’s budget spending on research and development hit 42.4 bln dinars in 2025, up 8.9%. Business/Infrastructure: Quectel expanded its external antenna portfolio in Belgrade with new combined antennas for IoT deployments. Regional/Geopolitics: The EU is considering “membership-lite” financial benefits for candidate countries, including Serbia, as accession talks drag on.

Public Opinion: A Belgrade Centre for Security Policy survey says over half of Serbians believe the country is on the wrong track, with trust in key institutions—especially police—falling sharply. Protests & Politics: The same poll points to rising dissatisfaction with the government and a widening view that Serbia is not a democracy, as early elections loom. Infrastructure & Transport: Belgrade’s subway push gets a boost with a contract signed for an independent international safety assessor, marking a new step toward the next phase. Energy & Industry: Serbia’s government approved a memorandum for the regionally significant Djerdap 3 pumped-storage hydropower project, while other energy moves include work on major gas and wind projects. Local Economy & Business: Inspira Group and Nordic Bridge Capital launched a VIA savings and investments platform in Serbia, adding to the country’s growing fintech and investment options. Sports & Culture: Wimbledon 2026 matchups include Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic in the men’s draw, and Serbia’s art scene continues to draw regional attention with events like the Breške Art Colony. Climate Impact: Europe’s record heatwave is also hitting Serbia, with authorities across the region on high alert.

Belgrade Metro Progress: Belgrade has signed a contract for an independent international safety assessor for the subway project, covering checks from design and construction through testing, commissioning and start of commercial operations. Bridge Reconstruction: The Belgrade City Assembly is set to move forward with the long-awaited reconstruction of the Pancevo Bridge, including new access ramps, with Roads of Serbia funding the detailed regulation plan. Public Finance Pressure: A Belgrade Assembly debate on the IMF’s warning about the city’s fiscal risk and a requested independent audit was reportedly not scheduled, with opposition accusing city officials of avoiding the issue. Energy & Investment: Serbia approved a memorandum to support the Djerdap 3 pumped-storage hydropower project information exchange, while Chinese SANY began work on two Alibunar wind farms worth EUR 240 million. Digital Savings Push: Inspira Group and Nordic Bridge Capital launched the VIA platform for long-term savings and investments, aiming for availability in 2027. International Cooperation: Serbia became a founding member of WAICO, and Minister Nemanja Starović attended the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdansk, stressing Serbia’s support for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Courts Reform: Serbia passed five court-law changes aimed at reducing political control over judges and prosecutors, after EU and Venice Commission pressure—opposition says independence isn’t real until all recommendations are met. Diplomacy & Travel: Foreign Minister Marko Đurić said Serbia and Panama signed an agreement allowing visa-free travel and also struck cooperation deals tied to Expo 2027. Cybersecurity: A new malware campaign targeting Serbia and other countries uses fake installers (including Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update) to deploy SharkLoader and then Cobalt Strike Beacon. Energy & Industry: Serbia’s Nis science park nears completion as a new facility readies labs for startups; separately, a Chinese-built 168MW wind farm project broke ground in Alibunar. Economy & Policy: Finance officials highlighted Serbia’s relatively low public debt (43.7% of GDP) and said fiscal policy is key to stability amid global uncertainty. Sports & Youth: An ISSO India school team returned from the ISF Basketball Championship in Zlatibor, Serbia, gaining international exposure.

Serbia’s diplomacy: Foreign Minister Marko Đurić wrapped up talks in Panama with a visa-free travel agreement for Serbians and Panamanians, plus cooperation deals involving diplomatic academies and plans tied to Expo 2027. Regional ties: Đurić also met Uruguay’s foreign minister in Panama, highlighting shared support for UN principles and Serbia’s stance on Kosovo. Aviation: Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport set a new daily record with 367 flight movements on June 12. Energy & industry: Construction has started on a Chinese-built 168 MW wind farm in Alibunar; meanwhile, the Gacko mine and thermal plant overhaul is underway for 50 days. Economy & business: Serbia’s public debt is cited at about 43.7% of GDP, with finance minister Sinisa Mali pointing to fiscal policy and reserves; Serbia also showcased export potential at Seoul’s Korea Import Fair with 11 companies. Tech & innovation: Nis’s new Science and Technology Park facility is nearing completion and aims to open labs for electronics, robotics and IT in September. Politics & society: The New Democratic Party of Serbia alleges local-government pressure on employees to attend a Progressive Party rally. Sports: A Serbian futsal coach, Dejan Dedović, was appointed Afghanistan’s national team head coach.

UN Mediation & Kosovo: Serbian PM Djuro Macut met UN peace-operations chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix in Belgrade, stressing UNMIK’s role in protecting non-Albanians in Kosovo-Metohija and backing dialogue as the only route to stability. Criminal Justice: Serbia plans to amend its Criminal Code, with higher penalties for illegal weapons possession and carrying, including tougher jail terms for unauthorized transport. Social Protection: A UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights warns Serbia’s Social Card Law has cut support for 60,000+ people since 2022, hitting vulnerable groups—especially Roma—through benefit misclassification. EU Politics: Hungary blocked a key procedural step in Ukraine and Moldova’s EU accession talks, risking delays to opening further negotiation clusters. Business & Tech: Quectel launched the FCM365X IoT module (Wi‑Fi 6, BLE 5.4, Zigbee, Thread) based on NXP tech. Local Economy & Culture: Arilje’s raspberry industry remains a global export story, while Niš’s KUD Abrašević marks 120 years with a free concert at Niš Fortress on July 5. Sports: Serbian futsal coach Dejan Dedovic was appointed Afghanistan’s national futsal head coach.

Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Foreign Minister Marko Đurić in Panama urged Serbia to be a “pioneer” in linking Europe with Central and Latin America, highlighting Serbia’s growing role as a bridge at the OAS and stressing multilateral dialogue and respect for sovereignty. EU & Enlargement: A Politico report says Hungary blocked a key procedural step for Ukraine and Moldova’s EU accession, putting the next stage at risk; the issue is set for discussion next week. Domestic Governance & Rights: The Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly adopted a resolution warning about Serbia’s democratic strain—polarization, weak dialogue with opposition, corruption risks, media pressure, and frequent early elections—while NGOs also renewed calls for a UN probe into the “sound cannon” claims from the 2025 Belgrade protests. Media Freedom: The Media Freedom Coalition condemned police summoning of BETA editor-in-chief Vojkan Kostić as intimidation. Transport & Economy: Air Serbia marked 10 years of direct Belgrade–New York flights, topping 750,000 passengers. Urban Development: Rakovica is set to get new apartments, shops and facilities as planning moves forward for additional square meters. Energy & Environment: A Bankwatch report says Western Balkans coal plants, including in Serbia, are still breaching pollution limits far beyond legal thresholds.

Regional Diplomacy: Serbia’s Nevena Jovanović spoke at the Belt and Road Institute conference, stressing multilateralism and Serbia’s top-level ties with China. Foreign Policy Outreach: Dušan Kozarev met the ACS secretary-general in Panama, highlighting Serbia’s push for Expo 2027 participation and deeper links with the Caribbean. Environment & Health: Bankwatch says Western Balkans coal plants kept breaching pollution limits in 2025, with SO2 up to 6.6 times allowed and dust at 2.9 times, despite legal deadlines. EU Growth Debate: A new analysis argues the EU’s Growth Plan could help the Western Balkans catch up faster, with Serbia singled out as still far from EU living standards. Economy & Property: Serbia’s real estate market hit a record Q1—about €2bn in transactions, up 14% year-on-year, led by Belgrade. Housing Reality Check: Eurostat data shows many Europeans live in homes with spare rooms; Serbia’s under-occupation rate is relatively low at 8.2%. Infrastructure & Trade: Serbia will open a permanent rail border crossing at Belgrade Centre–Prokop for international passenger and freight traffic. Local Services: Sjenica agreed temporary waste transport to Prijepolje, Priboj and Nova Varos while working on a permanent solution. Politics & EU Scrutiny: An EU rapporteur criticized Serbia’s handling of the “sonic weapon” protest case, warning it fuels demonization of opponents. Business & Payments: Bir and Paysend launched real-time international transfers for consumers in Azerbaijan. World Stage: Serbia’s presence at the World Congress of Economists in Belgrade brings 1,000+ participants to discuss global economic direction.