AGP Executive Report

Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Serbian PM Marko Đurić told the Association of Caribbean States in Panama that Serbia backs multilateralism and sees its geography as a bridge for tourism, business and Expo 2027, which he says will draw 4 million+ visitors and leave lasting infrastructure in Belgrade. Middle East Outreach: President Aleksandar Vučić spoke by phone with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, welcoming moves to calm tensions and stressing dialogue and economic rebuilding as foundations for lasting peace. Energy Deal in Niš: Serbia’s EPS and SOCAR are expected to sign a shareholder agreement soon for a gas-fired power plant joint venture in Niš, with construction targeted to finish by 2030. Economy Watch: Vučić said Serbia logged the fourth-highest growth rate in Europe in Q1 2026 and could reach third by year-end, citing an IMF forecast of top growth next year. Press Freedom Under Pressure: The Helsinki Committee and EFJ condemned vandalism targeting journalist Dinko Gruhonjić’s family as politically motivated intimidation, part of a wider campaign. Finance Sector: A new Serbia banking roundup reports record bank profits around €1.4bn in 2025, with strong returns and most banks ranking among the country’s biggest earners. Sports & Culture: Belgrade hosts the World Congress of Economists, while Serbia’s World Cup and regional sports coverage continues to dominate feeds.

Student Protests in Novi Sad: Thousands of students and citizens rallied in Novi Sad on June 20, demanding early elections and systemic reforms after the 2024 railway station collapse that killed 16 people, with protesters using whistles and drums and chanting that “students will win.” EU-leaning Opposition Moves: The European Movement in Serbia says it has agreed to join forces with pro-European parties in a new Platform for a European Serbia, including groups led by Zdravo Ponos, Dragan Djilas and others, aiming to rally democratic forces around EU membership and rule of law. Serbia-Croatia Relations: Foreign Minister Marko Đurić said Serbia will make “additional efforts” to improve ties with Croatia while respecting the Croat community in Serbia, pointing to Croatia’s support for Serbs there. U.S. Strategic Dialogue: President Aleksandar Vučić said he expects the start of strategic dialogue with the U.S. soon and hopes for progress on Serbia’s EU path and an end to the Ukraine conflict. Media Freedom Alarm: The EFJ and Serbia’s NDNV condemned vandalism against journalist Dinko Gruhonjić’s family, saying the attack shows journalists are not safe and linking it to a wider campaign of persecution. Heatwave Watch: Europe-wide emergency measures continued as a new heatwave pushed temperatures toward record highs, with France banning alcohol in red-alert areas and other countries suspending events.

Protests & EU Enlargement: Thousands of students and citizens rallied in Novi Sad to mark the 2024 railway station collapse that killed 16 people, turning the grief into a wider push for early elections and tougher scrutiny of corruption, procurement, and governance under President Aleksandar Vučić—setting up a direct political showdown as authorities weigh whether to bring the vote forward. Student Movement Under Pressure: Opposition and student leaders say the government is trying to criminalize their protests, including claims tied to a “sound cannon” hoax, arguing the aim is to discredit the movement. Infrastructure Update (Republika Srpska): Prime Minister Savo Minić says the Foca–Sarajevo road should be fully operational again within 30 days after landslides and damage, while reconstruction of the Foca–Tjentiste road is set to start by month-end. Belgrade–China Ties: A photo exhibition at the Chinese Cultural Center in Belgrade highlights decades of China-Serbia cooperation, including major projects like the Budapest–Belgrade railway. Business & Investment: Hungary’s chamber vice president says cooperation with China is expanding, pointing to the Budapest–Belgrade railway as a logistics boost for Chinese goods into Europe. Sports (Local Interest): UFC has announced UFC Belgrade for Aug. 1, but a heavyweight opponent change is in play after an injury forced a withdrawal.

Protests for early elections: Thousands marched in Novi Sad on Saturday, marking the 16 victims of the 2024 railway station awning collapse and renewing student-led demands for early parliamentary elections, with protesters blaming corruption and mismanagement under President Aleksandar Vučić. Belgrade infrastructure upgrade: The city is investing about €21m via an EBRD loan and grant to modernize storm sewers and improve flood protection, including new equipment and dump trucks for cleaning and video inspection. Tourism push with big brands: Serbia’s tourism ministry approved incentives for three hotel projects—Swissotel in Belgrade, Crowne Plaza in Zlatibor and Holiday Inn in Novi Pazar—aiming to create around 500 jobs and boost congress and family tourism. Media freedom dispute: The European Federation of Journalists adopted an urgent resolution urging revocation of a World Press Photo award tied to a 1993 Bosnia war image involving Bojan Stojanović, citing a misleading caption. Sports, with Serbia in the mix: USA swept Italy in the Volleyball Nations League; Serbia’s next VNL match is set as the tournament continues.

Tourism & Investment: Serbia’s Ministry of Tourism 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 congress and family tourism, with contracts signed and about 500 jobs expected. Media Freedom: The European Federation of Journalists adopted an urgent resolution targeting the World Press Photo award given in 1993 to photographer Bojan Stojanović, alleging the caption around a Bosniak civilian killing was misleading and that the award should be revoked. Justice & Protests: Serbian prosecutors say they obtained documents indicating a student group planned a simulated “sound cannon” hoax at a 2025 protest to blame state authorities, and have asked police to gather further details. Regional Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Marko Đurić met Croatia’s Gordan Grlić Radman in Subotica, stressing constructive dialogue on outstanding issues and renewed work by national coordinators. Sports (Serbia-linked): Memphis basketball filled its final roster spot with Serbian power forward Nemanja Popović, a former Vršac MVP, as he joins the 2026-27 Tigers.

Croatia-Serbia Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Marko Đurić met Croatia’s Gordan Grlić Radman in Subotica, stressing an open, results-focused dialogue and promising “additional efforts” to improve relations, including through commissions and new coordinator talks. EU Enlargement Watch: The EU Council set no timeframes for Moldova’s next accession steps, backing a merit-based approach after the fundamentals cluster opened on June 15; Serbia and other candidates remain in the same long-track process. Reform Agenda: PM Đuro Macut held talks with EU Enlargement Director Geert Jan Koopman on Serbia’s Reform Agenda, aiming to unlock Western Balkans Growth Plan funds and push rule-of-law and institution strengthening. Media Freedom: The EFJ resolution says Serbia faces systemic pressure on journalists, citing attacks like Veran Matic and failures by police to protect media workers. Corruption & Money Laundering: A GI-TOC report highlights money laundering risks in Serbia’s real estate and professional services, pointing to notaries and intermediaries enabling illicit deals. Tech & Health: Serbian-linked research reports a wearable “SensoExo” neurorobotic system that helped restore hand function in a clinical trial. Sports: Portugal take on Serbia in World Cup 2026 action, with Serbia’s RTS carrying the match live.

HIV Prevention Rollout: Serbia’s region is watching KwaZulu-Natal’s Phase 1 Lenacapavir launch, with 94 public clinics across eThekwini and districts including Zululand, King Cetshwayo, Ugu, Amajuba and uMkhanyakude set to deliver the twice-yearly injection. Energy Costs: Serbia may raise household electricity prices by year-end after IMF talks push for tariff reforms and less “artificial” price keeping, with a draft reform expected by end-August. Labor & Safety: Opposition in Zrenjanin says a worker’s death at Linglong’s tire plant shows “disastrous” safety and working conditions, pointing to bans by the U.S. and France over forced labor allegations. Trade & Sanctions Pressure: Serbia’s president says the U.S. copper import ban on Zijin Copper over forced-labour claims is tied to wider U.S.-China tensions, while Zijin denies wrongdoing. Surveillance Exports: A Human Rights Watch report alleges Bulgaria licensed Circles/NSO-linked phone-tracking and interception tools for intelligence use in Serbia and other countries, raising new questions about EU export controls. Politics & Security Claims: Interior Minister Ivica Dacic says a Belgrade prosecutor statement in the “sonic cannon” case has exposed a plan to spark mass panic and civil unrest. EU Path Watch: Greece is exploring ways to speed up Montenegro’s EU accession during its 2027 Council Presidency. Belgrade Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign ministry state secretary met Venezuela’s ambassador to discuss deeper economic cooperation and upcoming political consultations. Sports (Serbia in focus): Serbia’s women’s volleyball team ended a slump vs the Dominican Republic in the VNL, while Serbia also faced a tough VNL five-set loss to Japan.

US-Serbia Trade Shock: US Customs issued a Withhold Release Order on copper imports from Serbia’s Zijin Copper, citing possible forced labor, and Serbia’s president says talks are underway to resolve it. EU Integration Mood: A CEP survey finds 56.4% of Serbians with a clear view would back EU membership, with support strongest among 18–29-year-olds. Belgrade-Slovenia Ties: President Vučić met Slovenia’s parliament speaker and pushed for deeper political and economic cooperation, inviting Slovenia to EXPO 2027 in Belgrade. Energy Costs Watch: Vučić signaled Serbia may return 10% of waived fuel excise taxes if Brent stays low, aiming to reduce oil-price pressure on prices. Regional Travel Relief: The EU is working to extend roaming-free rules to six Western Balkan countries, including Serbia, though no timeline is set. Business & Industry: PMC Automotive secured EUR 10.4m in incentives to expand production in Kragujevac, adding new jobs. Sports (Belgrade angle): Sunderland loaned Serbian youngster Milan Aleksić to Partizan Belgrade, with an option to buy reported.

Serbia-US Trade Clash: President Aleksandar Vučić says a US Customs withhold release order on Serbia Zijin Copper products is “bad news,” with talks underway to resolve forced-labour concerns; the company employs about 7,000 people in eastern Serbia. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Vučić met Slovenia’s parliament speaker Zoran Stevanović in Belgrade, touting room to deepen political, economic and parliamentary cooperation and inviting Slovenia to EXPO 2027. EU Watch: The European Parliament adopted reports urging sustained rule-of-law and anti-corruption reforms across the Western Balkans, with Kosovo told EU progress depends on reforms and Serbia dialogue. Media Freedom: A new report warns Serbia saw a record 134 criminal complaints over attacks on journalists in 2025, with few convictions. Business & Tech: Origin One announced a strategic investment partnership with Moonstruck to build digital infrastructure and AI/identity/financial tech. Sports: Messi’s hat-trick powers Argentina 3-0 over Algeria, while Serbia’s minister Dragan Glamocic discussed Japan’s GREEN EXPO 2027 participation.

Energy Security: Serbia’s NIS says it has secured about 350,000 tonnes of crude oil until July 1, while the government presses to get the company off the US OFAC sanctions list; licences were extended until July 1, allowing NIS operations and MOL talks with Gazprom Neft. Central Banking: The National Bank of Serbia reported record gross FX reserves of 29.9 bln euros at end-May, with net FX reserves also hitting a high, supported by international eurobond sales. Tech & Growth: A Belgrade-focused economic feature argues Serbia can build an “economy of the future” by turning strengths in engineering, ICT and AI into long-term partnerships across energy transition, digital infrastructure and regional connectivity. Banking & Savings: Interviews highlight how Serbian banks are pushing digital transformation and boosting formal savings, with AikBank and others pitching trust and customer experience as the next growth drivers. Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign ministry officials met counterparts from Kazakhstan and Slovenia, stressing stronger political and economic ties and support for Serbia’s EU path. Crime: A Serbian man was extradited to Massachusetts over a $1.4m stolen luxury watch trafficking case. Sports: Lionel Messi’s World Cup hat trick for Argentina against Algeria dominated headlines, tying him with Miroslav Klose on the all-time scoring list.

World Cup Spotlight: Lionel Messi lit up Argentina’s World Cup opener, scoring a first-ever hat trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria and tying Miroslav Klose’s all-time men’s World Cup goal record, while also revealing his tears came from “difficult days” unrelated to football. Serbia-Slovenia Ties: Serbia’s Foreign Minister Marko Đurić met Slovenia’s National Assembly speaker Zoran Stevanović in Belgrade, stressing relations are “good, stable and friendly” and urging stronger support for Serbia’s EU path. EU Enlargement Politics: Bulgarian MEPs said North Macedonia can start EU accession talks once constitutional changes are adopted, while warning against blaming Bulgaria for the EU stalemate. Judicial Reform: Serbia’s parliament scheduled an emergency session to amend “Mrdic’s laws” after Venice Commission suggestions, including changes to prosecution, judges, and court jurisdiction. Sanctions & Business: The U.S. issued a specific license allowing NIS to keep operating until July 1, while U.S. customs also moved to detain copper shipments from Serbia’s Zijin Copper over forced-labor concerns. Local Economy: The dinar’s official median exchange rate was set at 117.3867 RSD per euro.

World Cup Spotlight: Lionel Messi lit up Argentina’s World Cup opener, scoring a first-ever tournament hat trick as defending champions beat Algeria 3-0 in Kansas City, tying Miroslav Klose’s all-time record with 16 World Cup goals and marking Messi’s record sixth tournament appearance. Local Politics & Diaspora: ProGlas founder Gojko Bozovic says the Serbian diaspora is more organized than before and is showing clear intent to vote in upcoming elections, pointing to recent diaspora events in Frankfurt, Munich and Stuttgart. Serbia in Trade & Rights: U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a Withhold Release Order blocking copper products made in Serbia by Serbia Zijin Copper D.O.O., citing forced-labor concerns. Serbia–Georgia Ties: Aleksandar Vučić met Georgian leaders in Tbilisi to push cooperation on trade, diplomacy and a potential free trade agreement, alongside plans for embassy openings and support for Georgia’s EU path. Belgrade–Slovenia Diplomacy: Slovenian Parliament Speaker Zoran Stevanovic told Belgrade Serbia is Slovenia’s key regional and economic partner, and reiterated support for Serbia’s EU accession.

Serbia–Georgia Ties: President Aleksandar Vučić said Serbia will open an embassy in Tbilisi and that a free trade deal is on track to be signed by autumn 2026, after talks with Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze; Vučić also pointed to a 36.4% jump in bilateral trade in the first four months of 2026. EU Path & Regional Diplomacy: Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić and Slovenian counterpart Zoran Stevanović stressed Slovenia’s support for Serbia’s EU accession and discussed boosting parliamentary and business cooperation. Serbia–Slovenia Economic Links: Assistant FM Miljan Ranđelović met Slovenia’s ambassador to review economic relations and agreed to keep closer dialogue as Serbia advances toward EU membership. Serbia–Greece Support: Foreign Minister Marko Đurić said Greece reaffirmed support for Serbia’s EU integration and cited strong trade ties, while also discussing Kosovo and Metohija. Belgrade Finance Watch: The dinar’s official median rate against the euro was set at 117.3790 RSD per euro, with the NBS reporting slight movements. Culture & Film: Macedonian director Marija Apchevska Petrovska is shooting her debut feature “Spring Cleaning” in Skopje, with Serbian actor Stefan Vujisić among the cast.

IMF & Serbia’s Economy: The IMF said its third review under the Policy Coordination Instrument for Serbia is successful, citing completed reform targets and end-2025 goals, while warning that fiscal and energy risks remain amid tougher external conditions. EU Accession Momentum: The EU formally opened accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova, after Hungary’s delay was lifted, with leaders framing it as support for peace and security. Serbia-Egypt Trade Push: Serbian PM Djuro Macut met Egypt’s leadership in Cairo to step up cooperation in medical tourism, pharmaceuticals, education, and to discuss direct Belgrade–Cairo flights and EXPO 2027 plans. Serbia-Georgia Ties: President Aleksandar Vučić met Georgia’s President Mikheil Kavelashvili in Tbilisi, stressing trust-based partnership and aiming to deepen trade, tourism, transport, energy, and new technologies. Belgrade Court Ruling: A Belgrade trial of students arrested after the Vidovdan protest was adjourned until Sept. 11 after a court excluded BIA covert-surveillance material as unlawfully obtained.

Serbia-EU and courts: Serbia’s Speaker Ana Brnabić says the Venice Commission issued a positive opinion on amendments to Serbia’s judiciary laws, after authorities made further changes following earlier criticism. Belgrade security: The trial of nine students over last year’s Vidovdan protest was adjourned to Sept. 11 after the court excluded BIA covert-surveillance material as unlawfully obtained. Kosovo war-crimes case: Kosovo’s court placed five former Serbian police officers in 30-day custody over the 1999 Recak/Racak massacre, described as a trigger for NATO’s 1999 intervention. Diplomacy and trade: President Aleksandar Vučić met Georgia’s Mikheil Kavelashvili in Tbilisi, with both sides pushing a free trade deal and wider cooperation; Serbian PM Djuro Macut also met Egypt’s investment minister in Cairo to step up medical tourism, pharma and education, including plans for direct flights. Economy and payments: Serbia’s dinar is steady at 117.3840 RSD per euro; the National Bank draft would cap card interbank fees for foreign-issued cards used in Serbia. Sports (Serbia-linked): Red Star Belgrade announced a major “Rajko Mitić” stadium reconstruction, while World Cup coverage highlights Serbia’s past European club ties and today’s Spain–Cape Verde opener.

World Cup Focus: South Korea avoided a fourth straight opening-match loss, staging a comeback to beat Czechia after Hwang In-Beom’s decisive impact, while Spain heads into its Group H opener against Cape Verde with Mikel Merino warning against complacency. Belgrade & Serbia Economy: Belgrade’s municipal budget was approved with a push to keep the tax burden low, as residents debated cuts and rising costs. Regional Infrastructure: Chinese firms broke ground on the Brčko–Bijeljina motorway in Republika Srpska, a 17-kilometre link aimed at boosting connectivity toward Belgrade. Energy & Business: Serbia’s NIS deal talks stay in the spotlight as Hungary’s stock market report points to progress involving Mol and Gazprom, with Serbia set to increase its stake. EU Travel Rules: EU institutions are weighing changes to airline compensation rules, with Serbia already referenced in the context of fixed payouts when carriers are at fault. Culture & Local Projects: RSD 20 million was allocated for final works on the future Apatin museum “Kuca Turski,” under the “Cities in Focus 2026” program.