AGP Executive Report

Serbia-EU & Russia ties: Republika Srpska leader Milorad Dodik says the West and EU are trying to “cut off” Serbs’ communication with Russia, arguing EU integration won’t benefit Serbia and that NATO/EU are aligned on the issue. Energy security: Serbia’s energy minister says talks with Gazprom secured additional gas supplies and extended the current agreement by three months after June 30. EU enlargement: EU ambassadors agreed to open accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova, with the first intergovernmental conference expected in Luxembourg, focusing on rule of law and judicial reform. Regional peacebuilding: The EU-backed documentary “State of Peace” premiered in Sarajevo, featuring young people from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia and Montenegro discussing memory and identity. Belgrade business & construction: eKapija launched a special real estate and construction newsletter, highlighting shifts toward premium projects, sustainability and long-term value. World Cup noise with Balkan links: Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui says the team expects no “gifts” as it opens against Switzerland, while England recovered most stolen training gear.

UN Security Council: Members condemned the killing of a Serbian UNIFIL peacekeeper in Lebanon on June 4, calling for a swift investigation and accountability, as seven UNIFIL personnel have died since hostilities escalated in March. EU Transport Funding: The European Court of Auditors warns Western Balkan states, including Serbia, may miss the 2030 deadline for the core trans-European transport network due to delays tied to weak project readiness and monitoring. Belgrade-Greece Ties: Serbian PM Djuro Macut met Greek FM Giorgos Gerapetritis, with both sides stressing Greece’s support for Serbia’s EU path and plans to deepen cooperation in energy, transport, science and investment. Serbia’s Economy Watch: Serbia’s public debt stood at 39.214 bln euros at end-April (41.5% of GDP), down slightly from end-2025. Energy & Industry: Srbijagas has launched international arbitration against Lithuania over long court delays affecting awards tied to Azotara Pancevo, seeking compensation that could reach up to EUR 20 million. Local Investment: Holiday Inn is set to open in Novi Pazar with an investment worth over EUR 24 million and 120 jobs, with construction starting mid-September.

EU Path & Diplomacy: Serbia’s FM Marko Đurić told reporters after talks in Belgrade with Greece’s Giorgios Gerapetritis that Athens backs Serbia’s European future, citing strong ties and trade of €2.2bn. Energy & Investment: Srbijagas has launched international arbitration against Lithuania over Azotara Pancevo, seeking compensation tied to long court delays. Romania is assessing “in principle” the proposed Iron Gates 3 hydropower plant with Serbia. Regional Economy: Serbia’s Chamber of Commerce says CEFTA delivered more than the Open Balkans and Berlin Process, blaming inconsistent implementation and politics for limited integration. Rule of Law: The Venice Commission will endorse an urgent opinion on amendments to Serbia’s judicial laws, with Serbia’s parliament speaker Ana Brnabić attending. Public Finance: Serbia’s public debt stood at €39.214bn at end-April, down slightly from end-2025. Local Development: Holiday Inn is set to open in Novi Pazar, an investment worth over €24m and 120 jobs, with works starting mid-September.

Belgrade Expo 2027: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić says Chinese badminton legend Lin Dan will promote the 2027 Belgrade expo, with the event’s themes “play and music” and a focus on strengthening Serbia–China ties. World Cup Kickoff (Group A): Mexico opened the 2026 tournament at the Azteca with a 2-0 win over South Africa, a match marked by red cards and a tense finish. World Cup Group A (Next up): South Korea and Czechia meet in Guadalajara as both chase early points, with Son Heung-min leading Korea’s attack. EU/Telecom: Telekom Srbija CEO Vladimir Lučić says roaming charges between Serbia and the EU should be abolished by end-2026 or in Q1 2027, after Serbia passes needed legislation. Kosovo Security: KFOR says stability in Kosovo depends more on political progress than military action, pointing to EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. AI Law in Serbia: NALED says Serbia is set to get a law on AI this year, aiming for a binding framework for secure, responsible use. Business & Jobs: Reports say Xbox is planning major layoffs and budget cuts after Microsoft’s fiscal year ends. Sports (Serbian link): Handball club Najma drew 30-30 with Al Arabi, with Serbian player Uroš Mitrović scoring the equaliser late.

Presidential Shake-Up: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić says he plans to resign soon and is even considering running for prime minister, with a supporters’ rally set for June 27 and elections potentially in 3–4 months. EU Accession Push: President Vučić and PM Đuro Macut met EU enlargement chief Gert Jan Koopman in Belgrade, stressing rule-of-law and electoral reforms needed to speed up opening remaining EU accession clusters. Energy Deal Watch: MOL says it has wrapped up negotiations with Serbia on the NIS shareholders’ agreement; if Gazprom Neft sells its 56.15% stake and OFAC approves, Serbia would buy an extra 5%, while MOL commits to keeping the Pančevo refinery running at prior sanction-era capacity levels. EU Risk on Russian Citizenship: An RFE/RL investigation says Serbia fast-tracked citizenship for sanctioned Russians at a far higher rate than other foreigners, raising concerns for Schengen visa-free access and EU prospects. Crime & Accountability: RTS reports the full leadership of Belgrade’s Police Intervention Unit has been arrested over alleged interference in a case tied to a deadly shooting at a steakhouse last year. Regional Security: The UN Security Council condemned the death of a Serbian UNIFIL peacekeeper in Lebanon and demanded accountability. Belgrade Economy: Serbia sold 5-year government bonds worth RSD 27.6bn at a 5% yield, with demand topping RSD 31bn. Tech/Jobs: Ubisoft reportedly shut down its Belgrade studio and Winnipeg studio, with up to 380 jobs at risk.

EU Rights Ruling: The European Court of Human Rights condemned Serbia for banning Falun Gong protests tied to a 2016 visit by China’s Xi Jinping, a case that also highlights Serbia’s past detentions of practitioners. Diplomacy in the Region: Serbia’s PM Djuro Macut told a SEECP summit in Sofia that regional unity matters more than ever amid cyber threats, migration, hybrid risks and disasters. Serbia–Angola Ties: Marko Đurić joined talks during President João Lourenço’s official visit, signing agreements and pushing new economic cooperation with Belgrade. Energy Cooperation: Serbia’s mining and energy minister met the UK ambassador to discuss UK finance for Serbia’s energy projects and a 2035 investment plan worth €14.4bn. Politics at Home: A small student protest gathered outside the Special Court as Culture Minister Nikola Selaković’s trial resumed over alleged falsified documents tied to the General Staff building case. Kosovo Language Dispute: VLEN accused DUI of backing Serbian as an official language in Kumanovo in 2010 but failing to address other Albanian rights issues. Business/Jobs: Ubisoft is reportedly closing its Belgrade studio and cutting roles worldwide, with up to 380 jobs at risk. World Cup Kickoff: Mexico opens the 2026 tournament against South Africa in Mexico City, with Serbia’s name showing up in pre-tournament context as Mexico beat Serbia 5-1.

EU Enlargement Talks: Serbia’s EU path is back in focus after a Franco-German “non-paper” proposing faster cluster openings and gradual integration into EU policies, with officials saying it could speed Belgrade’s membership process. Kosovo & UN Law: Foreign Minister Marko Đurić marked the 27th anniversary of UNSC Resolution 1244, warning that selective respect for international law erodes the whole order and undermines rights in Kosovo-Metohija. Defense Diplomacy: Defense Minister Bratislav Gasic met Azerbaijan’s counterpart in Belgrade, stressing Serbia’s military neutrality and concern over processes in Kosovo that violate Resolution 1244. Serbia–Angola Ties: Angola’s President João Lourenço is in Serbia for a third day of talks, including visits to defense and tech institutes and the signing of 10 cooperation documents, with interest in direct air links. Regional Security Platform: Serbian PM Đuro Macut will attend the SEECP summit in Sofia, aiming to boost regional cooperation, connectivity, security, and sustainable development. Digital Literacy: A BIRN report says young people across the Western Balkans need better skills to spot online fakes, while platforms should raise transparency and standards. World Cup Kickoff: The 2026 World Cup starts Thursday with Mexico vs South Africa, and Serbia’s media also carried broader coverage as the tournament begins across the US, Mexico, and Canada. Energy Deal Watch: Serbia says negotiations over the NIS stake involving Gazprom, Hungary’s MOL, and US OFAC timelines are moving toward resolution, with a June 16 deadline.

World Cup Kick-off: Mexico and South Africa open the expanded 48-team World Cup in Mexico City on Thursday, with Mexico entering as Group A favourites after a 5-1 warm-up win over Serbia; the match is set for 20:00 BST at Estadio Azteca. Belgrade & Serbia–Angola Ties: Serbian FM Marko Đurić met Angola’s Tete António as Belgrade hosts President João Lourenço, who pushed a “new stage” for economic cooperation after signing 10 agreements with Aleksandar Vučić, including double-taxation and investment protection deals. Energy & Business Watch: Serbia’s energy minister says talks on the sale of Russia’s majority stake in NIS are progressing, with Gazprom Neft and MOL given a final push to wrap negotiations. EU Path & Environment: Brussels warned Albania that the Kushner-linked luxury resort plan could clash with EU environmental rules, adding pressure as Albania seeks EU membership. Faith & Public Life: More than 1.1 million people reportedly visited Belgrade’s Church of Saint Sava to see a revered relic connected to the Virgin Mary.

Serbia–Angola Diplomacy: Serbian FM Marko Đurić met Angola’s top diplomat in Belgrade, stressing decades of friendship and Angola’s non-recognition stance on Kosovo, while pushing new cooperation in agriculture, food processing, digitalization and ICT. Presidential Push for Investment: President Aleksandar Vučić told Angolan leaders Serbia wants Angolan investors, arguing economic ties lag behind politics and highlighting agriculture as a key entry point, with talk of possible direct flights to Luanda. Energy Deal Watch: Energy Minister Dubravka Djedović Handanović says talks on the sale of Gazprom’s majority stake in NIS are progressing, with Gazprom and MOL given ten days to finalize negotiations under US approval, while Serbia warns against any “red line” that could disrupt refinery operations. EU Pressure on Rule of Law: RFE/RL reports the EU’s spring rule-of-law assessment for Serbia flags little or no progress on corruption, media freedom and judiciary independence. Sports Spotlight: Volleyball’s VNL 2026 sees 13 of 18 women’s teams already include at least one female coach, a boost to FIVB’s 2026 initiative. World Cup Build-Up: Coverage ramps up for the June 11 opener Mexico vs South Africa, with Serbia’s regional football links and broader tournament previews dominating the sports pages.

Digital Services: Post of Serbia has started rolling out eMailCarrier on the eGovernment portal, letting citizens and businesses receive invoices, notifications and other documents in a single eMailbox with delivery tracking and confirmations via email, SMS and Viber. Urban Transport & Construction: Belgrade’s Staklenac (Republic Square shopping center) and the Bajloni Market are set to be removed by year-end as groundwork for the subway system ramps up. Energy Security: Serbia and Ukraine have met 2026 gas storage targets, with Serbia’s Banatski Dvor reported at 44% full as of May 1, though certification of the storage operator is still pending. Power Market Shift: More than 60 Serbian power plants have lost privileged producer status after RES incentives expired, raising questions about their future on the market. EU Path & Politics: Ana Brnabić says EU enlargement matters for both the Western Balkans and the EU, pointing to ongoing rule-of-law reforms and Serbia’s readiness on economic indicators. Belgrade-India Ties: Serbia’s foreign ministry met India’s ambassador to discuss deepening cooperation, especially in IT, and India’s support on Kosovo.

EU Accession Pressure: Serbia’s EU path is back in the spotlight after European Parliament rapporteur Tonino Picula warned Brussels could freeze €1.5 billion unless Belgrade meets conditions, including repealing the “Mrdić laws” and showing rule-of-law progress. EU Talks Timeline: Serbia’s EU accession team says it could be technically ready to open Cluster 2 (internal market) by end-June, with work also aimed at Cluster 5 and the demanding Chapter 31. Kosovo Politics: Kosovo’s snap parliamentary election left Albin Kurti’s Vetëvendosje on top with about 43%, but short of a governing majority, pushing fresh coalition talks and keeping the EU reform clock stuck. Serb Community Results in Kosovo: In Kosovo-Metohija, Srpska lista says it won all ten Serb seats in Serb-majority areas, despite claims of “election engineering.” Currency Watch: The dinar-to-euro median rate is 117.3823 RSD per euro. Energy Deal Update: MOL received an OFAC license extension to keep negotiating its NIS acquisition until 16 June. Aviation Links: Etihad and Romania’s TAROM signed a codeshare that adds Belgrade and other regional capitals to Etihad’s network via Bucharest.

Kosovo Snap Election: Early results from Kosovo’s third parliamentary vote in 18 months show Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Vetevendosje leading with about 43% of the vote, but still short of the majority needed to govern alone, with turnout down and coalition talks likely to be tough as the country tries to unlock its EU and NATO path. EU-Western Balkans Summit: In Tivat, Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić said talks with EU leaders were “productive,” while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed Serbia must choose its future and cannot balance between Russia/China and Europe. EU Accession Conditions: Ursula von der Leyen reiterated that Serbia’s EU track is merit-based and depends on rule-of-law and media-freedom reforms plus alignment with EU foreign and security policy. Energy Deal: Serbia agreed a further three-month extension of its Russian gas supply contract with Gazprom, with the energy ministry citing stable, affordable deliveries and plans to expand storage at Banatski Dvor. Trade: Serbia and South Korea completed negotiations on a free trade agreement, with signing expected after both sides finish internal procedures.

Kosovo Snap Election: Early parliamentary elections opened in partially recognized Kosovo on June 7, the third vote in 18 months, after parties failed to agree on a new president and stable institutions. Polling stations opened at 7 a.m.; turnout in Serb-majority areas was notably higher, with the CEC reporting 15.10% by 1 p.m. and peaks such as Zvečan (34.51%). EU Enlargement Pressure: The political deadlock is again testing Kosovo’s EU and NATO path, as Brussels links progress to functioning institutions and cross-party cooperation. Serbia–China Economic Push: In Belgrade’s wider region, Serbia’s ties with China are deepening, with President Vučić’s China visit producing over €900 million in new investment deals and a push toward industrial upgrading and digital transformation—dubbed the “Chinese brain” in factories. Albania Protests Over Kushner Resort: Meanwhile, thousands of Albanians keep protesting a €1.4 billion Trump-family-linked luxury resort near a protected wetland, with demonstrators warning of environmental damage and demanding the project be canceled.

Kosovo Election Crisis: Kosovo votes Sunday in its third parliamentary election in 18 months, after parties failed to agree on a new president and institutions stayed partly blocked; analysts expect Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Vetevendosje to win again, but a two-thirds majority is still needed to elect the head of state. EU-Western Balkans Summit: Leaders met in Montenegro’s Tivat to push enlargement and regional security, with Montenegro aiming for EU membership by 2028 and EU officials backing faster, more predictable accession steps. Serbia-EU and Regional Ties: Serbia’s European path and regional cooperation stayed in focus, including talks tied to EU integration momentum and bilateral diplomacy. Albania Protests Over Kushner Resort: Thousands in Albania protested a €1.4bn luxury resort linked to Jared Kushner’s firm, with environmentalists warning it could damage protected wetlands and beaches near flamingo habitats. World Cup Build-Up: Canada confirmed its 26-man World Cup squad under Jesse Marsch, while Mexico’s warm-up rout of Serbia 5-1 added to the pre-tournament buzz. Judiciary Watch (Bulgaria): Bulgaria’s acting prosecutor general outlined priorities for stronger professionalism and better coordination between institutions.

EU-Western Balkans Summit: EU leaders and Western Balkan counterparts met in Tivat, Montenegro, pushing enlargement and “gradual economic inclusion,” with Montenegro’s accession by 2028 described as “within reach” and a 6-billion-euro support push aimed at speeding reforms and security cooperation. Serbia-China Industry Upgrade: In Belgrade’s China push, President Aleksandar Vučić’s recent trip reportedly secured over €900m in new investment deals, while Serbian factories are adopting Chinese tech for “digital transformation” and industrial upgrading. Kosovo Election Crisis: Kosovo is set for a third parliamentary election in 18 months amid a political stalemate over appointing a president, with frustration rising as voters want functioning institutions and better living standards. UAE-Serbia Ties: Serbia’s PM Đuro Macut met UAE FNC Speaker Saqr Ghobash, highlighting CEPA’s role in boosting trade, investment, and private-sector cooperation. Kosovo-Serbia Security Watch: Brussels is closely monitoring the vote as a referendum-like test for Kosovo’s EU path and for stability in the region. World Cup Build-Up: Serbia’s World Cup warm-up ended in a 5-1 loss to Mexico, while coverage ramps up ahead of the June 11 tournament start across North America.

EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat: EU leaders and Western Balkan partners met in Montenegro to push faster, “merit-based” enlargement, with a €6bn facility tied to reforms and a draft accession treaty for Montenegro flagged as a sign membership is within reach. Serbia-EU Accession Pace: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said Serbia backs a Franco-German “gradual integration” non-paper that could speed up accession momentum, while stressing reforms and cluster openings. Serbia–South Korea Deal: In Belgrade, Prime Minister Djuro Macut and South Korean officials moved forward on a comprehensive economic partnership, with a joint statement signed after talks on a free trade framework. Aviation Tension: Wizz Air warned Serbia’s proposed route-approval rules could force it to close its Belgrade base from November 2026, risking about 150 jobs. Albania Protests Over Kushner Resort: Thousands in Tirana protested Jared Kushner-linked €1.6bn luxury plans near protected wetlands, with SPAK launching a probe and environmentalists warning of harm to flamingos, seals and sea turtles. Local Culture: Bosilegrad wrapped up a kids’ piano and accordion training programme with a concert, after 38 children joined the pilot course.