AGP Executive Report

Media Ownership Shake-Up: Portuguese Alpac Capital has taken control of Serbia’s Adria News Network outlets, including N1 and Nova S TV, plus Danas, Radar, and Nova.rs, with multiple directors removed as the takeover continues. Science & University Governance: Serbia’s Ministry of Science removed University of Belgrade officials Nebojša Bojović and Vladan Đokić from leadership roles at the Institute of Architecture and Urban & Spatial Planning, citing neglect of duties and political activity. Energy Infrastructure: Serbia is advancing a nearly €1 billion gas expansion with World Bank support, starting with a pipeline linking Niš and Velika Plana and studies for future hydrogen transport. Banking Boom: Serbia’s banks posted record 2025 profits (RSD166.5bn) and rising returns, while the central bank weighs whether margins are too high. Legal Pressure on Prosecutors: Prosecutors Association of Serbia demanded urgent action after an arson attack on a Valjevo prosecutor’s car, warning it threatens prosecutors’ independence. EU Wildfire Response: The EU deployed firefighting aircraft, helicopters, and satellite mapping across Europe, including Serbia, as wildfires worsen. Elections Countdown: Vučić says elections will be called in 15, 20, or 25 days, with campaign talks already underway. Sports Spotlight: Serbia’s football and tennis headlines include Djokovic’s health disclosure after Cincinnati, and major regional club action alongside Belgrade-linked stories.

Elections Watch: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić says elections will be called “very soon,” possibly in 15, 20 or 25 days, as student protests and opposition pressure for early polls keep building. EU Accession Pressure: Russia’s Sergei Lavrov claims the EU is “blackmailing” Vučić to align with EU positions on Russia and Kosovo, while an EU-focused Serbian envoy is pushing an end-August accession push amid scrutiny over reforms. Valjevo Anniversary: A student-led rally in Valjevo marked one year since police violence in 2025, with protesters demanding accountability and linking the crackdown to political responsibility. Drought & Danube: Record-low Danube levels from severe drought are exposing WWII German warships near Prahovo and creating new practical problems for the river border area. Regional Climate Risk: Europe remains on high alert for wildfires, with Spain’s Huesca operation in focus. Sports—Djokovic: Novak Djokovic was knocked out of Cincinnati by Thiago Tirante after revealing a long-term health issue worsened by heat and humidity. Belgrade Football: Belgrade’s Panthers begin a new season under coach Jesse Schmidt, aiming to be more competitive in Class AA.

Serbia–Kazakhstan Diplomacy: State Secretary Damjan Jović met Kazakhstan’s Deputy FM Alibek Kuantyrov, highlighting 30 years of ties, reaffirming support for Serbia’s sovereignty, and pointing to Expo 2027 participation in Belgrade alongside plans to deepen trade and economic cooperation. Danube Low-Water Reality: Record-low Danube levels have left Croatia’s Vukovar Island effectively reachable from Serbia on foot in places, creating practical border-control headaches despite no change to the official boundary. Regional Security Report: A new account says Russia’s hybrid destabilization campaign against Moldova used Balkan hubs, including training camps in Serbia and Bosnia, aimed at unrest and election disruption. Belgrade Sports & Youth: Belgrade’s girls flag football program held its first practice as it prepares for an inaugural season, with a new head coach focused on teaching rules and building teams. Health & Sport Spotlight: Novak Djokovic’s Cincinnati Open run ended with a shock loss to Thiago Tirante, with Djokovic saying a long-term health issue worsens in hot, humid conditions.

Sports & Health: Novak Djokovic’s Cincinnati Open run ended in a second-round shock as he lost to Argentina’s Thiago Agustin Tirante 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 in brutal heat and humidity, with Djokovic citing a long-running health issue that flares in hot, damp conditions. Belgrade Youth Sports: Belgrade girls flag football held its first-ever practice as the inaugural season nears, with a new head coach and plans for varsity and JV teams. Heritage & Local History: A century-old wartime tug, the Slovenac, has re-emerged from the Sava River near Jarak as drought drops water levels, reviving local stories of its WWII-era sinking. Regional Economy & Trade: Serbia’s Expo 2027 Belgrade venue is in its final stretch, with President Vučić inspecting the China-built Serbia Exhibition Center ahead of a handover target before year-end. Tech & Finance: A new look at Serbia’s fintech push says momentum is driven less by consumer apps and more by exportable engineering talent and software for financial services.

Serbia–China Infrastructure: President Aleksandar Vučić inspected the China-built Serbia Exhibition Center for Expo 2027 Belgrade, saying the project is in its final construction and interior finishing phase and urging faster work to meet a handover before year-end. Serbia–Regional Economy & Tech: A new report frames Serbia as a potential fintech hub in Southeast Europe, arguing momentum is driven less by consumer apps and more by engineering talent and software exports from Belgrade and Novi Sad. Serbia–Diplomacy & Trade: Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister met Serbian officials in Belgrade to push deeper political and economic cooperation, highlighting nuclear energy, agriculture, education, space, digital tech and AI. EU/Trade Policy: Moldova is set to investigate sugar and cement imports, including from Serbia, with possible anti-dumping or safeguard measures on the table. Security & Influence: A New York Times investigation claims Russia trained election-disruption operatives in Serbia and nearby areas as part of a wider campaign targeting Moldova’s political future. Environment: Europe’s wildfire crisis continues, with evacuations and major blazes reported across France, Belgium and Germany.

Serbia-Kosovo Security: Kosovo courts ordered 30 days’ detention for Fehim Sali, a dual Kosovo-Serbia citizen suspected of spying for Serbia’s BIA, after his arrest at Merdare and claims he used multiple phones and received cash for information on Kosovo officials and recruitment targets. Russia-Ukraine Fallout: Russia opened a criminal investigation into FAZ journalist Michael Martens over remarks made during a Belgrade meeting with Zelensky and Vučić, where he asked what Europe could do “to help kill more Russians.” Moldova Destabilization Claims: A New York Times investigation says Russian intelligence-linked training camps in Serbia and the wider region aimed to disrupt Moldova’s elections, alongside recruitment and propaganda efforts tied to Ilan Shor. Local Environment & Research: The Western Outlands Research Institute protested Serbia’s decision to bar Bulgarian researcher Dr Valentin Yanev from entering for an environmental meeting in Bosilegrad, citing alleged security-risk grounds. Belgrade Sports & Culture: Belgrade August Fest kicks off with music and food events, while Hibs’ Jason Kerr discussed the club’s Conference League progress after a 0-0 draw in Skopje.

Serbia–Kosovo Tensions: Kosovo courts ordered 30 days’ detention for Fehim Sali, a dual Kosovo/Serbia citizen suspected of spying for Serbia’s BIA, after his arrest at the Merdare border crossing and claims he passed information on Kosovo officials and Islamist radicals. Belgrade–EU Politics: An analyst says undecided voters could swing Serbia’s October/November election results, with about 25% undecided and many likely to decide late. Serbia–China: President Aleksandar Vučić reiterated “ironclad” Serbia–China friendship during Expo 2027 site visits, saying Chinese support is key to completing the plans. Environment & Research: A Western Outlands Research Institute protested Serbia barring Bulgarian researcher Dr Valentin Yanev from entering for an environmental meeting in Bosilegrad, calling the “security risk” claim unfounded. Aviation Safety: US investigators say broken engine fan parts shattered a Ryanair window, partially sucking out Serbian passenger Ljubiša Karović mid-flight before an emergency return to Thessaloniki. Heat & Power: Ember reports solar output rose during European heatwaves, helping stabilize grids as demand surged.

EU Rights Watch: A new EU report says Serbia has the basic legal framework for fundamental rights, but implementation is lagging, with a worse environment for media and civil society and concerns over election conditions and foreign-policy alignment with EU sanctions. Danube Drought: The Danube is at record lows, hitting about 31 cm in Budapest and idling nuclear reactors in Romania and Hungary, while low flow threatens power supply and shipping across Central Europe. Kosovo-Ibar Tensions: Albania’s PM Edi Rama backs Ukraine but says Ukraine is wrong on Kosovo, as Serbia weighs changing the course of the Ibar River—an issue that keeps inflaming Belgrade–Pristina relations. Belgrade Events: Belgrade’s August Fest is underway, with concerts, youth activities and a Saturday grand parade followed by the Belgrade Royal Ambassador coronation. Serbia in Basketball: Ethan Thompson’s NBA exit is reported as paving the way for a move to Serbian powerhouse Partizan, reshuffling the Pacers’ roster plans.

Danube Drought & Power Strain: The Danube hit a record low of 31 cm in Budapest, with drought and heatwaves cutting flows and forcing emergency steps that have idled or threatened nuclear output in Romania and Hungary. Hidden WWII Wrecks Exposed: As water levels drop, Nazi-era warships and debris near Prahovo are resurfacing, creating new hazards for shipping and a stark reminder of the past. EU Rights Watch: An EU human-rights and democracy report says Serbia’s legal framework for basic rights exists, but implementation is lagging, while media and civil society conditions have worsened and election and foreign-policy alignment with the EU remain key. Ibar River Plan Sparks Tension: Serbia’s leadership says a task force will revive an old Ibar hydro idea, but critics warn the river can’t be unilaterally rerouted under international law, keeping the Kosovo dispute hot. Politics Ahead of Elections: Ruling party figures say snap parliamentary elections could come in under 100 days, urging all sides to prepare and commit to accepting results. Local Economy: Serbia’s Milk House near Niš is expanding processing capacity to about 100,000 litres a day with new equipment and rooftop solar support.

Ukraine-Serbia Diplomacy: President Volodymyr Zelensky’s first official visit to Serbia is being framed as a diplomatic gamble for Kyiv, with Belgrade still refusing EU sanctions on Russia while pledging deeper cooperation on energy, infrastructure, food security, and a free-trade push. EU-Russia Balancing Act: Western outlets say Zelensky “fumbled” remarks on Kosovo during the trip, sparking backlash in Pristina. Danube Drought Watch: Serbia and Romania are coordinating over exceptionally low Danube levels, with talks focused on navigation safety, river transport, and possible rail links. Foreign Policy Outreach: Serbia’s FM Marko Đurić met counterparts from Zimbabwe, Uzbekistan, and São Tomé and Príncipe, stressing support for sovereignty and expanding cooperation ahead of Expo 2027. Business & Sports: Czech PM Andrej Babiš met Vučić in Belgrade to boost trade and back Serbia’s EU and Schengen path; meanwhile, Vancouver Whitecaps signed Serbian midfielder Aleksa Cvetkovic from OFK Beograd.

EU Integration & Politics: Serbia’s opposition New Democratic Party leader Milos Jovanovic says Belgrade should not join the EU or impose sanctions on Moscow, arguing EU accession would come only “as a defeated and humiliated nation” and that Kosovo is a non-negotiable condition. Kosovo-Serbia Tensions: Kosovo has begun excavations at newly found war-era mass graves tied to the 1998-99 missing, with families hoping remains will finally be identified. Regional Diplomacy: Serbia’s FM Marko Đurić met counterparts from Romania, Uzbekistan, Zimbabwe, and São Tomé and Príncipe, focusing on bilateral ties and practical issues like Danube navigation amid very low water levels. Security & Migration: Eurojust and Europol report the arrest in Belgrade of a suspected migrant smuggler linked to a network moving people from Serbia toward Germany, with charges of dozens of operations. Economy & Energy: Serbia’s central bank data shows foreign exchange reserves rising to €30.5bn, while drought and heat are stressing regional electricity systems. Business/Industry: European Loc Pool ordered 20 more Stadler EuroDual locomotives, including homologation for Serbia, as cross-border freight capacity expands. Sports (Serbia abroad): Vancouver Whitecaps signed Serbian midfielder Aleksa Cvetkovic from OFK Beograd.

Kosovo-Serbia Energy Dispute: Kosovo says Serbia again missed a deadline to provide cross-border electricity transmission capacity, urging the EU and Energy Community to pressure Belgrade. Ibar Bridge Tensions: Serbia’s president calls talks about KFOR’s Mitrovica bridge withdrawal “probably the worst so far,” while Belgrade and Pristina trade accusations over security and the Ibar River. Zelensky in Belgrade: Ukraine’s president met Serbian leaders and discussed security experience, humanitarian aid, and EU accession and economic cooperation; Serbian officials stress no military cooperation was discussed, while critics call the visit unnecessary. Novi Sad Memorial Row: Vučić branded student-led 16-minute tributes for the Novi Sad station disaster a “satanic ritual,” as protests continue. Schengen Push: Serbia says it aims to be ready for Schengen by end-2027, citing a working group and EU funding. Danube Drought Finds: Record low Danube water levels expose parts of the Constantine Bridge foundations, giving archaeologists a rare look. Football—Red Star: Seol Young-woo started for Crvena Zvezda as they crashed out of the Champions League qualifiers and move on to the Europa League.

Ibar Bridge Tensions: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić called talks between the army chief of staff and the KFOR commander “probably the worst so far,” after KFOR said a gradual transition at the Mitrovica Ibar bridge has begun and Kosovo police will operate alongside KFOR. Kosovo Water Row: Serbia’s foreign minister Marko Djuric said the Ibar river is being discussed only because Kurti’s government is demolishing Serbian homes near Lake Gazivode and the Ibar, while Albania’s Edi Rama and Kosovo’s acting president Albulena Haxhiu rejected any attempt to change the river’s course. Energy Transition Pressure: A Belgrade School of Electrical Engineering professor warned Serbia can break free from coal, but said the shift needs USD 15–20bn in investment, citing Europe’s low diesel stocks and river-linked fuel delivery problems. Media Safety: NUNS reported 19 cases against journalists in July, including death threats and smear campaigns, with local TV staff among the most targeted. Business & Jobs: Acumatica opened a Global Capability Center in Hyderabad, adding engineering capacity and joining existing operations in Serbia. Sports (Serbia-linked): Fulham completed the signing of Northern Ireland midfielder Shea Charles for up to £30m, while Serbia’s Sasa Lukic moved to Ipswich for £9m.

Kosovo Tensions: NATO’s KFOR has started a gradual drawdown of its permanent presence at the Mitrovica Ibar bridge, but Kosovo Serb leaders warn the move could spark new problems after a Kosovo Police vehicle appeared there. Ibar River Row: Albania’s foreign minister says Serbia cannot unilaterally alter the Ibar’s flow, citing international water-law duties and potential harm to Kosovo’s water and security. Belgrade Security: Serbian President Vučić says KFOR’s bridge withdrawal is “not unexpected,” but insists Belgrade’s response is that such steps must not be allowed, as KFOR also moves to integrate Kosovo Police around the Visoki Dečani monastery. Defense Industry: Serbia and Elbit plan a joint combat drone factory near Belgrade in mid-September, with production aimed at short-range attack drones and longer-range unmanned systems. Energy & Industry: Novi Sad is advancing a geothermal district heating project in Miseluk with an 11 MW phase targeted for 2027/28. Local Infrastructure: Vučić says work on the Kadinjača tunnel will begin Oct. 1, and the Zlatibor bypass is nearing completion. Business/Trade: Serbia and Tanzania look to expand trade ties, with TanTrade focusing on market access for farmers and industrial cooperation. Sports/Health: UFC Belgrade fighter Uros Medic revealed he tore his meniscus hours before his win and will need surgery.

Kosovo Security: KFOR has started a gradual pullback from the main Ibar Bridge in Mitrovica, saying security has improved, but Kosovo Serb party Srpska Lista warns the move could spark trouble and calls for urgent talks. Ibar River Row: Albania’s foreign minister warned Serbia against any unilateral change to the Ibar’s flow, citing cross-border water law and risks to Kosovo’s water, energy and drinking supplies; Kosovo’s acting president also protested after Vučić floated the idea. Ukraine-Kosovo Politics: Zelensky’s Belgrade remarks that Ukraine’s Kosovo position is “unchanged” triggered backlash in Pristina, while a Ukrainian MP said recognition could be reconsidered after the war. Belgrade-Russia Tensions: Serbia’s balancing act drew fresh heat after Russia’s embassy said a German FAZ journalist’s comments about “helping kill more Russians” should be legally assessed. Heat and Drought: Serbia faces extreme conditions with RHMZ warnings of continued very high wildfire risk as temperatures hover in the mid-to-high 30s. Business & Industry: NORMA Group secured a record €157m thermal management contract with production in Serbia, and Acumatica opened a global capability centre in Hyderabad with Serbia among its existing hubs.

Serbia-Ukraine Diplomacy: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in Belgrade for the first visit in eight years, with both sides pushing a free-trade deal by year-end and discussing winter energy and infrastructure cooperation; Zelenskyy also said the US agreed to monthly Patriot interceptor deliveries, though he called the volume insufficient. EU Path & Balancing Act: Vučić said Serbia supports Ukraine’s territorial integrity but stopped short of sanctions, while also warning he sees no quick end to the war and a “hard winter” ahead. Kosovo Fallout: Zelenskyy’s reaffirmation that Kyiv won’t recognize Kosovo sparked backlash in Pristina and drew Vučić’s defense, calling the criticism a “witch hunt.” Defense & Security: Germany warned of daily “hybrid warfare” after a suspected explosive drone incident near Leipzig/Halle, planning to expand anti-drone capacity. Environment & Economy: The Danube drought worsened as extreme heat pushed river levels to historic lows, disrupting shipping and adding pressure to energy and water supplies across the region. Local Policy: Serbia is considering a deposit-return scheme for bottles and cans to boost recycling and cut landfill waste.