AGP Executive Report

Protests & Elections: Thousands rallied in Novi Sad on Saturday to mark the 2024 deaths after a railway station awning collapse and to demand snap general elections, with student-led anger spilling into wider anti-government demands. Local Governance & Accountability: Police said the rally was unregistered and traffic was blocked, while protesters and rights groups argue the disaster reflects broader mismanagement and corruption. Diplomacy & Community: Serbia’s foreign minister Marko Đurić marked the Day of the Croatian Community in Serbia, calling for better relations with Croatia and promising additional efforts to resolve remaining issues. Tourism & Investment: Serbia’s government approved EUR 10 million in incentives for three new hotels—Swissotel in Belgrade, Crowne Plaza in Zlatibor, and Holiday Inn in Novi Pazar—aiming to boost jobs and tourism. Sports & Culture: UFC Belgrade is set for Aug. 1 with a rematch between Jan Błachowicz and Bogdan Guskov, while the Italian embassy hosted a UNESCO-backed “Play with Food” culinary event in Belgrade.

Diaspora & Culture: Azerbaijani community representatives met in Belgrade to discuss new diaspora initiatives, with the University of Belgrade’s Azerbaijani Language and Culture Center highlighting language teaching and cultural heritage. Prosecutors & Security: Serbian prosecutors say a student group discussed staging a fake “sound cannon” incident at a major protest to blame state authorities, and have asked police to identify participants and assess possible incitement. EU Path & Governance: PM Djuro Macut held talks with EU enlargement director Geert Jan Koopman on Serbia’s Reform Agenda progress and next steps to unlock Western Balkans Growth Plan funds. Energy & Sanctions: Serbia’s mining minister met Russia’s ambassador over NIS crude supply amid US sanctions, pointing to a shareholders’ agreement with MOL and urging a deal acceptable to US authorities. Corruption Watch: A GI-TOC report warns money laundering is being facilitated through notaries and real estate paperwork, with suspicious transaction reporting rising in recent years. Media Freedom: EFJ resolution says Serbia faces systemic pressure on journalists, citing attacks and failures by police to protect reporters. Business & Investment: BYD denies environmental violations at its Szeged plant as Hungary investigates toxic soil claims; the company says it complied with rules and discusses a possible second European site. World Cup Spotlight: Coverage continues to swirl around Lionel Messi’s historic 2026 hat-trick and Portugal vs Serbia viewing details.

Serbia-EU Reform Push: PM Đuro Macut held talks by video with EC Enlargement chief Geert Jan Koopman on Serbia’s Reform Agenda results and next steps, including activating funds under the Western Balkans Growth Plan. Energy & Sanctions Workarounds: Mining minister Dubravka Djedović Handanović met Russia’s ambassador on NIS supply and said Serbia has completed its part of negotiations after signing a shareholders’ agreement with Hungary’s MOL, as the US licence clock nears. Corruption Watch: GRECO says Serbia again missed anti-corruption compliance targets, adding pressure on institutions and rule-of-law reforms. Money Laundering in Real Estate: A GI-TOC report warns that notaries, intermediaries and accountants can help launder money through undervalued deals, fictitious loans and inflated invoices, with real estate flagged as a key channel. Media Freedom: The EFJ backed a resolution citing a systemic pattern of pressure on Serbian journalists, including attacks and unlawful digital surveillance. Protest Probe: Prosecutors opened an investigation into claims linking students to the “sound cannon” incident from the March 15 anti-government rally. Culture & Diplomacy: Foreign minister Marko Đurić met Croatia’s counterpart in Subotica, pledging further efforts to improve Serbia-Croatia relations and protect the Croatian community’s rights. Sports Culture: A World Cup promo by Dodo Pizza is running across Serbia and the region with collectible, match-themed mechanics.

Energy Policy: Serbia’s government has pledged to the IMF to reform electricity tariff rules, with a household price rise likely by year-end, tied to inflation and aimed at ending “artificially low” pricing. US-Serbia Trade Tensions: President Vučić says Serbia is paying for US-China disputes after Washington blocked copper imports from Zijin Copper in Bor over alleged forced labour; Zijin denies wrongdoing. Energy Deal: Serbia signed a shareholder agreement with Hungary’s MOL on the future management of NIS, with state stake rising to just under 35% pending US OFAC approval. EU Membership Mood: A CEP survey finds 56.4% of Serbians would vote for EU accession, with support highest among young and highly educated citizens. Justice & Safety: Parents of the 2023 Vladislav Ribnikar school shooter received jail terms again in a retrial in Belgrade. Surveillance Scrutiny: HRW reports Bulgaria licensed Circles/NSO-linked phone-tracking exports to repressive states including Serbia, raising new questions about EU export controls. Sports: UFC confirms Jan Blachowicz vs Bogdan Guskov rematch at UFC Belgrade on Aug 1; Liverpool signed Spain winger Victor Munoz. Culture: A photo exhibition on China-Serbia “ironclad friendship” opened in Belgrade.

Court & Safety: In Belgrade retrial, parents of the 2023 Vladislav Ribnikar school shooter were sentenced again—father Vladimir Kecmanović to 14 years and six months, mother Miljana to two years and 11 months—after the boy, then 13, killed nine children and a guard. Human Rights & Trade: US Customs issued a Withhold Release Order blocking copper shipments from Serbia Zijin Copper over suspected forced-labor practices. Media Freedom: A new report says Serbia saw a record 134 criminal complaints in 2025 over attacks and threats against journalists, with only three convictions. EU Integration: The European Parliament backed EU membership bids across the Western Balkans while urging sustained rule-of-law and anti-corruption reforms. Regional Mobility: The EU is moving to extend roaming-free rules to six Western Balkan countries, including Serbia, though no timeline is set. Culture & Society: A photo exhibition on Serbian-Chinese friendship opened in Belgrade marking 10 years of strategic partnership. Energy Policy: President Vučić said Serbia may cut the fuel excise duty reduction further, potentially scrapping the 20% cut next week.

EU Enlargement Watch: The European Parliament backed EU membership bids across the Western Balkans but urged sustained rule-of-law, anti-corruption and democratic reforms, with Montenegro highlighted as the frontrunner. Press Freedom Under Pressure: Veran Matic, a journalist linked to independent media, was attacked outside Serbia’s parliament in Belgrade, with his phone snatched while he was filming. Opposition Politics: Marinika Tepić (Freedom and Justice) said the “students vs opposition” framing is an artificially imposed dilemma, arguing parties should work alongside student efforts. Business & Tech: Origin One announced a strategic investment partnership with Moonstruck to build digital infrastructure and AI/identity/financial tech for regulated, mission-critical environments. Serbia-Slovenia Ties: Serbia’s foreign minister Marko Đurić met Slovenia’s parliament speaker Zoran Stevanović, stressing stable cooperation and support for Serbia’s EU path. NIS Governance: MOL and Serbia signed a shareholders’ agreement on future management/governance of NIS, keeping the focus on energy-sector oversight. World Cup Culture: Air Serbia launched a new loyalty programme, ELEVATE, as football fever continues to shape travel and consumer routines.

Serbia–Slovenia Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Marko Đurić met Slovenia’s parliament speaker Zoran Stevanović in Belgrade, stressing good, stable ties and Slovenia’s support for Serbia’s EU path. NIS Update: The US Treasury issued a specific licence allowing NIS to keep operating until July 1, after an earlier OFAC licence expired; MOL is still in talks over Gazprom Neft’s stake. EU Enlargement Watch: The European Parliament adopted reports on Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, while Serbia’s report is expected in July. Public Administration Cooperation: Snezana Paunović met Spain’s ambassador to discuss public administration reform, digital services and stronger local self-government. Air Serbia: Air Serbia launched its new loyalty program, ELEVATE, on the airline’s 99th anniversary. Sports & Culture: Messi’s World Cup hat-trick vs Algeria dominated headlines, while Serbia’s football fans also shared the tournament buzz through big public displays.

Energy & Economy: Serbia’s fuel excise duties stay temporarily reduced until June 21, cutting rates by about 20% as crude prices rose. NIS Update: The US Treasury issued a special licence letting NIS keep operating until July 1, while MOL and the Serbian government signed a shareholders’ agreement for NIS future governance as talks with Gazprom Neft continue. Regional Power Shift: Eastern Serbia’s Timocka Krajina is accelerating its green transition, with new solar projects (including a 50 MW plan near Zaječar) and bigger decarbonisation plans around Bor and Majdanpek. Politics & Diplomacy: Serbia’s defence cooperation with the EU was discussed in Belgrade, and PM Djuro Macut met Egypt officials about tourism ties and a possible Belgrade–Cairo direct flight ahead of Expo 2027. Sports: Lionel Messi made World Cup history with a hat-trick vs Algeria, becoming the oldest player to score a World Cup treble and reaching 200 caps for Argentina.

Energy & Business: MOL and the Serbian government signed a shareholders’ agreement to shape the future governance of NIS, Serbia’s key fuel company, as MOL negotiates to buy Gazprom Neft’s 56.15% stake; the deal hinges on a final purchase agreement and US OFAC approval, with Serbia able to increase its influence by an extra 5% if the takeover goes through. US Trade/Compliance: US Customs and Border Protection issued a Withhold Release Order detaining copper shipments made by Serbia Zijin Copper D.O.O., citing forced-labor concerns. EU Security Cooperation: Serbia’s Defence Minister Bratislav Gasic met the EU delegation head to discuss defence cooperation and Serbia’s rising alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. Diplomacy (Georgia): President Vučić continued talks in Tbilisi on trade, a free trade agreement, embassy plans, and EU-related dialogue, while also stressing parliamentary cooperation. Tourism & Culture: Serbia’s tourism minister met PM Macut in Egypt, discussing more Serbian inbound tourism, a possible Belgrade–Cairo direct flight, and Expo 2027 participation. Arts & Society: Pictoplasma x Balkans announced its Varna festival dates and theme, while a Hisarya–Eani–Aleksinac partnership will launch a joint online tourism portal.

Serbia-Montenegro Tensions: Montenegro rejected Serbia’s “hybrid war” claims, saying the accusations are baseless and that Belgrade still struggles to accept Podgorica’s sovereignty. Orthodox Church Diplomacy: President Aleksandar Vučić met Patriarch Shio III in Georgia, stressing spiritual ties and deeper partnership as Serbia-Georgia talks also covered trade, tourism, transport, energy and new technologies. EU Path Watch: Serbia’s judiciary reforms got a positive Venice Commission opinion, while EU accession talks for Ukraine and Moldova moved forward with formal negotiation clusters. Economy & Finance: The IMF said Serbia remains resilient, projecting growth of about 2.8% in 2026, but warned about fiscal and energy risks. Kosovo Justice: Kosovo’s court detained five Serbs over alleged involvement in the 1999 Recak/Racak massacre that preceded NATO’s intervention. Business & Trade Links: Serbian PM Djuro Macut met Egypt’s officials to push healthcare cooperation and wider economic ties, including plans for direct flights and an EXPO 2027 push. World Cup, With Serbian Interest: Serbia’s Indian-origin footballer Sarpreet Singh made his World Cup appearance, while the tournament’s spotlight also included players with Serbian club ties and Serbia’s broader regional sports presence. Culture & Society: A Serbia-linked initiative promoting Nikola Tesla’s recognition continues to gain international support, with calls for a dedicated global celebration.

World Cup Spotlight: Spain kicked off its 2026 campaign against debutants Cabo Verde in Atlanta, but the match ended 0-0 as Cabo Verde held firm with a disciplined defense and key saves. Serbia–Georgia Ties: President Aleksandar Vučić met Georgian leaders and Patriarch Shio III, stressing trust-based cooperation and expanding links in trade, tourism, transport, energy and new technologies. EU Path & Rule of Law: Serbia’s judiciary amendments received a positive Venice Commission opinion, with Speaker Ana Brnabić saying the changes will go to parliament next week. IMF Review: The IMF said Serbia’s economy stayed resilient, projecting growth of about 2.8% in 2026, while warning of ongoing fiscal and energy risks. Healthcare Cooperation: Serbia’s PM Djuro Macut met Egypt’s officials in Cairo to push stronger healthcare ties, including expertise exchange and joint initiatives. Kosovo War-Crimes Case: Kosovo’s court detained five former Serbian police officers for alleged involvement in the 1999 Recak/Racak massacre. Belgrade Business & Travel: Air Serbia’s new Baku–Belgrade route is framed as a growing connectivity link between the Caucasus and the Balkans.

Judiciary Reform Watch: Serbia’s Speaker Ana Brnabić says the Venice Commission has issued a “positive opinion” on amendments to recently adopted judiciary laws, after Serbia made further changes and will send the proposals to parliament next week. EU Path & Diplomacy: Greece’s foreign minister says Serbia’s EU accession is “geopolitically inevitable,” praising Belgrade’s reforms and backing EU-mediated dialogue with Pristina. Kosovo Tensions: Kosovo PM Albin Kurti accuses Russia of exploiting Serbia, citing a Russian “humanitarian centre” in Niš and RT/Sputnik activity as part of a wider “hybrid war.” Cyber Security: A report says North Korean hackers used shell companies and Chinese banking channels to steal identities from Serbia and the region. Payments & Consumer Costs: Serbia’s National Bank draft would cap card interbank fees for foreign-issued cards used in Serbia, matching the existing debit/credit limits. Culture & Film: Director Goran Stanković discusses “Our Father,” a new Serbian feature inspired by a real case involving a priest accused of brutal “rehabilitation” methods. Expo 2027: Serbia signed a contract with the Czech Republic for Expo 2027 participation in Belgrade, marking the start of preparations for the Czech exhibit. Belgrade Real Estate: “Belgrade Arbor” unveils a new address in New Belgrade, positioning itself as a modern residential and business hub. Sports: South Korea’s Hwang In-Beom, who developed in Serbia, helped spark a World Cup revival with a late turnaround.

Sports & Serbia in the spotlight: Dubai Basketball made history by beating Partizan Belgrade 83-81 in Game 4 to win the ABA League title in just their second season. Diplomacy: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić congratulated India’s PM Narendra Modi on becoming the longest-serving elected Indian leader; Modi publicly thanked Vučić and pointed to strong Serbia–India ties. Culture & community: “Education for the 21st Century” from Serbia won the 2026 Max van der Stoel Award for work promoting tolerance and inclusion through education across Serbia and the Western Balkans. Local development: Serbia allocated RSD 20 million for final works on the future Apatin museum “Kuca Turski,” with the Ministry of Culture and the Apatin municipality co-financing the project. Regional cooperation: Serbia and Montenegro agreed to form a working group on air navigation services as both align with EU accession obligations. Human stories: Venezuelan freedivers kicked off the World Freediving Pool Championship in Novi Sad with a gold medal and world record on day one.

Apatin Culture Boost: Serbia’s Ministry of Culture has approved RSD 20 million for the final installations and architectural works on the future “Kuca Turski” museum, under the “Cities in Focus 2026” program, with Apatin co-financing to complete the long-planned city museum in a historic house. Regional Aviation Talks: Serbia and Montenegro will set up a working group on air navigation services, following a June 1 Belgrade meeting tied to Montenegro’s EU accession obligations and a shared focus on keeping air traffic safe. Sports—ABA League: Dubai Basketball made history by beating Partizan 83-81 in Game 4 to win the 2025/26 ABA League title in just their second season. Serbia-Linked International Spotlight: Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić congratulated India’s PM Narendra Modi on becoming the longest-serving elected Indian prime minister, with Modi thanking Vučić in return. Culture & Community: A SEBRE interview highlights how developers choose complex, identity-rich locations—like Belgrade’s Marina Dorćol—to create long-term value through sustainable, city-shaping projects.

EU Enlargement: EU ambassadors agreed to open the first accession talks cluster for Ukraine and Moldova, starting with “fundamentals” like rule of law and judicial reform—another big step in the bloc’s enlargement push. Serbia-EU Focus: The same week keeps attention on Serbia’s long EU path, with comparisons showing how long negotiations can take for Western Balkan candidates. NATO & Security: NATO’s top officer is weighing alternative defense plans as the US scales back aircraft and warship support in a crisis, raising questions for European security planning. World Cup Buzz (Serbia Fans): Bosnia and Herzegovina are back at the World Cup and scored early vs Canada; meanwhile, England recovered stolen training boots after a major heist, and Serbia’s name still pops up in the wider tournament coverage. Roma Youth in Serbia: A Roma youth leader in Vranje warns the real problem is unequal access to education, training, and jobs—only 27% of young Roma (18–24) are in education or work-related pathways. Sports Business: Dubai Basketball Club won the ABA League title, beating Serbia’s Partizan 83-81 in the finals. Culture & Society: International PEN president Burhan Sönmez urged that peace must be woven with freedom and democracy, speaking from Istanbul.

NATO Planning: NATO’s top commander is weighing new ways to defend Europe after the US signaled it will cut aircraft and warships available in a security crisis, pushing allies to prepare for less American support. Kosovo Security: NATO also says it will gradually reduce its KFOR peacekeeping force in Kosovo as conditions improve, after earlier reserve reinforcements. EU Rule of Law: In a boost for Serbia’s EU track, Ana Brnabić says the Venice Commission gave an “absolutely positive” opinion on Serbia’s judicial laws, with amendments heading to parliament next week. Serbia-Greece Ties: Serbian PM Djuro Macut met Greece’s FM Giorgos Gerapetritis in Belgrade, stressing support for Serbia’s EU path and wider cooperation, including energy, transport, and investment. World Cup Buzz: Serbia fans are watching the 2026 tournament kick off across North America, with major opening ceremonies in Canada and fan zones popping up in the US. Sports & Culture: A Sarajevo premiere wrapped up the EU youth peace documentary “State of Peace,” featuring young people from the region, including Serbia.