AGP Executive Report

Serbia–Japan Business: Serbia says a mutual promotion and protection of investments deal with Japan will kick in on July 30, after Tokyo completed its internal steps—positioning Serbia as a “safe, stable” investment destination. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Belgrade-area readers may also care about a wider regional pattern: Serbia’s investment push comes as Belgrade Plaza’s car-park shutdown in Coventry (UK) highlights how operator and licensing disputes can quickly disrupt local services. Mining & Jobs: MinRex Resources says it has strengthened its in-Serbia leadership for the Tlamino gold push, appointing an exploration manager and a general counsel as drilling continues. Politics & Diplomacy: Serbia and Chile resumed bilateral political consultations after a seven-year gap, with talks covering trade, science, police and defence cooperation, plus Expo 2027 participation. Culture & Film: Srđan Dragojević’s new international coproduction “International Women’s Day / Osmi mart” is set to begin shooting in August 2026, with Latido Films acquiring it. Sports (Serbian spotlight): Novak Djokovic advanced at Wimbledon after a dominant win over Stefanos Tsitsipas, while the US prepares for a World Cup knockout clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina—another Balkan storyline drawing diaspora attention.

Road Tolls: Serbia starts collecting fines from July 1 for lorries that don’t pay electronically with TAG devices, with penalties ranging from RSD 10,000 to RSD 2 million depending on who’s responsible. EU Path: Aleksandar Vučić says he discussed Serbia’s EU future with top EU leaders at a summit in Tivat, denying any “rewards” for easing judicial laws were on the table. Anti-Corruption Portal: Vučić says an online system (“Ko Si Ti Bre”) for citizens to report misconduct with video and audio will go live by the end of the week. Opposition Under Scrutiny: Police questioned Zdravko Ponos over claims that a sound cannon was used against protesters last year. Energy & Sanctions: OFAC granted NIS a special operating licence expiring Aug. 1, while short extensions also affect related negotiations tied to Russia-linked ownership. Business & Economy: Škoda Group reports 2025 orders worth about €1.8bn and a major EBITDA jump; Serbia’s dinar is steady around RSD 117.36 per euro. Diplomacy: Serbia and Chile resumed bilateral political consultations after seven years, covering trade, science, police and defence. Wildlife Rescue: Feliks the eastern imperial eagle returned to Serbia after a kidnapping and illegal trade ordeal in the Middle East.

Serbia’s Political Clock: President Aleksandar Vučić’s resignation pledge is now tied to student-led pressure and early elections, with reports saying the vote could be held within 3–4 months as protests continue. Human Rights in Focus: Serbia’s Equality Commissioner says incidents at the Gazimestan St. Vitus Day celebration raised concerns over discrimination against Serbs, including selective checks, confiscation of symbols, and arrests, urging an urgent independent probe. Defense & Industry: Serbia is training tank crews on modernized M-84 AS1/2s in tactical and live-fire drills aimed at breakthrough operations, as modernization moves from upgrades to battlefield readiness. Energy/Tech & Economy: Magenta Telekom appoints Nemanja Žilović as Chief Commercial Officer B2C from Aug. 1, while Serbia’s AIability 2026 conference highlights Belgrade’s push to stay a regional AI leader. Foreign Ties & Trade: Libya and Serbia discussed boosting economic and trade cooperation, including Expo 2027 participation, and plans for a joint chamber of commerce. Environment & Safety: A major Europe heatwave is forecast to hit Serbia and neighboring countries with temperatures above 35°C, raising risks for health and outdoor activity. Wildlife Story: Feliks the eastern imperial eagle returned safely to Serbia after a kidnapping and illegal sale ordeal in the Middle East, spotlighting the illegal animal trade.

Wimbledon, Serbia in focus: Novak Djokovic survived a tense first-round test, beating China’s Wu Yibing 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4, while defending champion Jannik Sinner also fought back from a set down to defeat Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-7, 6-2, 6-3—setting up fresh Serbian interest in the next rounds. Belgrade politics and elections: Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić says he will step down and that elections are due within 3–4 months, as protests continue and watchdog BIRODI warns his latest social-aid speech was used for campaigning. Rule of law and transparency: A BIRN report says Freedom of Information requests are rising across the Western Balkans, but access is still routinely blocked by delays, refusals, and weak enforcement—Serbia included. Heatwave emergency: Red alerts for extreme heat are in place across parts of Italy and the Balkans, with Serbia warned of up to 39C and authorities urging people to stay indoors. Economy and investment: Serbia’s Deputy PM Adrijana Mesarovic met Chinese firm Guangdong MingYang Electric to discuss high-voltage transformer partnerships, while the dinar-to-euro rate was reported at 117.3697. EU enlargement diplomacy: Ireland and Cyprus ambassadors in Belgrade argue EU enlargement can benefit both candidates and member states, with Serbia repeatedly named among the next steps.

Serbia Politics: President Aleksandar Vučić says Serbia will hold early elections within 3–4 months and that his decision on whether to run for prime minister will be “transparent,” as he prepares to resign the presidency amid months of student-led protests and skepticism from critics. Wimbledon (Serbian spotlight): Novak Djokovic opened Wimbledon with a hard-fought 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 win over China’s Wu Yibing, improving to 21-0 in first rounds, while Jannik Sinner survived a scare to beat Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanović 4-6, 6-3, 6-7, 6-2, 6-3 and set up a second-round meeting with Nuno Borges. Media & Rights: The EU-wide Media Pluralism Monitor flags Serbia as one of the worst performers for press freedom risks, with particular concern over journalists’ working conditions and protection. Sports (Serbian in US): Jovana Nogić’s WNBA debut season for Phoenix is paused as the Mercury says she will miss the rest of 2026 for “personal reasons.”

Serbia’s Politics: Aleksandar Vučić says he will resign as president in a few weeks and trigger early elections, but Reuters reports skepticism he’ll simply reposition himself for a return to power as protests continue. Protests & Governance: Opposition and student groups keep up pressure, pointing to corruption claims tied to the 2024 Novi Sad train-station awning tragedy. Security & Military: Vučić also says compulsory military service will start in March next year, aimed at boosting defence capabilities. Foreign Policy & Diplomacy: Serbia’s deputy parliament speaker Marina Raguš met Tunisia’s parliamentarians to discuss Kosovo-Metohija and cooperation; Serbia’s PM Djuro Macut met civil aviation officials about regulatory changes and a planned Belgrade–Cairo route. Economy & Daily Life: The dinar’s official median euro rate is 117.3763 RSD. Climate & Health: A record heatwave is pushing into Serbia again, with forecasts up to 39C and fresh wildfire fears across the Balkans. Sport: Wimbledon opened with Jannik Sinner surviving a five-set scare against Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanović to reach the second round.

Protests and power transition: Thousands rallied in Kraljevo and Belgrade after Aleksandar Vučić said he will resign within weeks, but demonstrators fear he’ll keep influence by installing an ally and returning as prime minister. The unrest follows months of student-led protests sparked by the 2024 Novi Sad station canopy collapse that killed 16 people. EU rights pressure: The European Commission urged a credible, transparent investigation into allegations that a “sonic weapon” was used against protesters in Belgrade on March 15, citing European human-rights standards and an ECHR order. Politics and security: Vučić also announced Serbia will reintroduce mandatory military service from next March for men under 30, for 75 days. Accountability debate: A Serbia-focused NGO report says authorities recorded at least 110 cases of war-crimes denial in 2025, arguing public narratives remain selective. Heatwave impact: Europe’s deadly heatwave continues, with WHO reporting over 1,300 excess deaths since June 21 and Serbia among countries facing extreme temperatures.

Serbian Politics: President Aleksandar Vučić told supporters in Belgrade he will resign “within weeks,” setting up early presidential and parliamentary elections as student-led anti-corruption protests continue. Protests & Power: Reuters reports thousands are expected to rally in Kraljevo on Sunday, with analysts warning Vučić may still try to keep influence by shifting roles. Military Policy: Serbia will reintroduce a “very short” mandatory military service starting next March, targeting men under 30 for about 75 days, reversing the 2011 move to a fully professional force. Kosovo Tensions: Kosovo police detained several people during a Serb commemoration at Gazimestan near Pristina, with chants including “Kosovo is Serbia.” US Sanctions: The US sanctioned 131 Western Balkan targets, with Serbia listed most heavily (49), citing organised crime, corruption, terrorism and efforts to help Russia bypass restrictions. Heatwave Watch: Europe braces for extreme heat, with forecasts of 191 million people facing 35C+ on Sunday, including Serbia.

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-corruption protests sparked by the 2024 Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse that killed 16 people. Speaking at a Belgrade rally in scorching heat, he backed the ruling Serbian Progressive Party and floated a new electoral list branding, “United Serbia,” but gave no exact resignation or election dates, while critics say the move is meant to pre-empt an inevitable political fall. Climate and Health: Europe’s record-breaking heatwave is continuing to disrupt life and strain health systems, with Serbia among the Balkan countries bracing for more extreme temperatures.

AI Diplomacy: Serbia’s government approved talks to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, putting Belgrade among the founding members and aiming to boost joint research and innovation in AI. Agriculture & Exports: Arilje, Serbia’s “raspberry capital,” says its chemical-free, hand-picked berries are exported worldwide to the U.S. and Japan, but producers warn unpredictable weather and unstable prices are squeezing family farms. Belgrade Sports (Softball): Belgrade Panthers opened the State AA tournament with a 6-3 win over Missoula Big Sky, then fell 12-2 to Glacier in a season-ending loss that left them fourth. Belgrade Sports (Baseball): The Belgrade Bandits started 3-0 in Southern A play, beating the Dillon Cubs and Helena Reps in back-to-back wins. Public Health & Climate: Europe’s extreme heatwave continues to strain health systems and disrupt services, with record temperatures and emergency measures reported across multiple countries. Wimbledon Spotlight: Serena Williams’ Wimbledon return is set after she drew Maya Joint in the first round, while Jannik Sinner says he’s feeling better ahead of the tournament after French Open heat cramps.

Energy & Sanctions: Serbia’s only oil refinery, NIS (majority Gazprom-owned), has filed another OFAC waiver request to keep crude imports flowing while ownership talks drag on. Cybersecurity: A new SharkLoader malware campaign has been linked to StrikeShark activity, targeting organizations across multiple countries including Serbia. Local Economy & Industry: Kansai Helios says it will gradually relocate production from its Zagreb site to facilities in Serbia and Slovenia. Belgrade Public Life: The Belgrade Regional Parks board approved plans for an off-leash dog park in the far north, with mostly private funding and city support for access works. Sports (Serbia in focus): Wimbledon’s draw puts Novak Djokovic in Jannik Sinner’s half, setting up a potential semifinal clash; in Serbia-linked sports news, Djokovic also announced a Prime Video documentary, “The Wolf in Winter.” Climate & Health: A severe heatwave across Europe is breaking records, straining emergency services and firefighting.

Belgrade Politics: Serbia’s ruling SNS is preparing a major Belgrade rally on Saturday, with streets closed ahead of time and party leaders promising a “Serbia, one family” message—coming amid ongoing protests and claims of intimidation. Public Mood: A new BCSP survey says more than half of Serbians believe the country is on the wrong track, with trust in institutions—especially police—falling sharply. Heatwave Alert: Serbia is bracing for an intense, prolonged heatwave with temperatures up to 39°C, health warnings, wildfire risk, and river-level concerns on the Danube and Sava. EU-Serbia Ties: Serbia’s EU integration minister Nemanja Starović spoke with Slovenia’s Jernej Vrtovec, focusing on easing Schengen-related problems for Serbian transport operators. Banking Snapshot: An EIB survey says Serbia has one of the most robust and profitable banking sectors in the CESEE region. World Cup Update: Ecuador advanced further after beating Germany 2-1, while other groups also saw knockouts decided.

Belgrade Metro Push: Belgrade’s subway project moves forward with a signed contract for an independent international safety assessor, covering checks from signaling and power systems to fire protection and operations. Bridge Plans: The Belgrade City Assembly is set to start the long-awaited reconstruction of the Pancevo Bridge, with a detailed regulation plan and new access ramps, financed via Roads of Serbia. City Finances Clash: A Belgrade opposition delegate says the Assembly session avoided an IMF warning that the city poses a fiscal risk, including a demand for an independent audit by August. Nis–Milan Route: A Serbinfo Association initiative launches an anonymous survey to gauge demand for a direct airline between Nis and Milan. Investing Platform: Inspira Group and Nordic Bridge Capital are launching the VIA digital savings and investment platform for Serbian citizens, planned for 2027. Energy Deal: SANY will invest EUR 240m in two new Alibunar wind farms, targeting 460 GWh annually by 2028. EU Enlargement Update: Hungary’s opposition forces the EU to scale back Ukraine and Moldova accession talks to two negotiation chapters for now. Heatwave Warning: Western Europe’s record heat is linked to rising health risks and deaths, with Spain warning of a possible spike in heat-related fatalities.

Belgrade Finances Under Scrutiny: Opposition MPs say the Belgrade Assembly is dodging an IMF warning that the city poses a fiscal risk, including a demand for an independent audit by August—while the mayor reportedly blocked access to documents. Courts Reform: Serbia passed five court-law changes aimed at reducing political control over judges and prosecutors, after EU and Venice Commission pressure, but critics say not all recommendations were met. AI Cooperation: The Serbian government adopted a plan to secure founding-member status in WAICO, aiming to boost AI research, innovation, and joint projects. Energy Investment: Chinese SANY has started work on the EUR 240 million Alibunar 1 and 2 wind farms in southern Banat, targeting 460 GWh of clean power annually by 2028. EU Rule of Law Pressure: Civil society groups warn the EU’s upcoming Rule of Law Report risks becoming a box-ticking exercise without real follow-up or conditionality. Security & Tech: A new malware campaign, “StrikeShark,” is reported to use fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers to deliver SharkLoader and then Cobalt Strike Beacon, with victims including Serbia.

Diplomacy & Travel: Serbia’s FM Marko Đurić wrapped up talks in Panama, announcing a visa-free travel agreement with Panama and pushing Expo 2027 Belgrade as a bridge for Latin America ties. Regional Partnerships: Đurić also met Uruguay’s and Argentina’s foreign ministers, with both sides stressing shared respect for international law and non-recognition of Kosovo’s unilateral declaration. Belgrade Politics: President Aleksandar Vučić urged citizens to join a June 27 gathering outside parliament, promising a direct hearing of public demands alongside family and youth activities. Energy & Economy: Srbijagas says its Russia gas supply contract is extended for three months, warning that unfinished interconnections could drive gas prices up sharply. Business & Infrastructure: Nis’ Science and Technology Park is nearing completion, with labs for electronics, robotics and IT planned to open for startups and faculties in September. Trade & Exports: Serbia is showcasing export potential in Seoul’s Korea Import Fair 2026, with 11 companies seeking new deals in food, beverages and metal processing. Aviation: Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport hit a new daily record of 367 aircraft movements on June 12.

Science & Business: Nis’s new Science and Technology Park facility is nearing completion, with a public call for tenants underway and plans to open space for startups and labs in electronics, mechatronics, robotics and IT in the second half of September. Energy & Industry: Construction has started on a 168MW Chinese-built wind farm in Alibunar, with 40 turbines expected to generate about 430 million kWh annually. Aviation: Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport hit a new daily record with 367 flights handled on June 12, up 3.7% year-on-year. EU & Diplomacy: Hungary has blocked a procedural step needed to open further EU accession negotiation clusters for Ukraine and Moldova, potentially affecting timelines. Energy Security: Srbijagas says its gas supply contract with Russia has been extended for three months, warning that delays in interconnections and storage could push gas prices up sharply. Politics & Rights: The Movement of Free Citizens says employees are being pressured to attend an SNS rally on June 27, while European liberals at the Council of Europe warn of misuse of institutions in Serbia. Economy & Trade: Serbian firms are showcasing export potential at Seoul’s Korea Import Fair 2026, supported by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia. Tech & IoT: Quectel announced a new NXP-based IoT module (FCM365X) supporting Zigbee and Thread. Education: Serbia’s universities have started entrance exams, with many programs receiving more applications than available spots.