AGP Executive Report

Snap Election Push: Prime Minister Đuro Macut has formally proposed dissolving Serbia’s National Assembly, setting up early parliamentary elections in October and potentially paving the way for President Aleksandar Vučić to shift back to the prime minister role. EU Accession Pressure: The European Commission reiterated that glorifying war criminals and genocide denial clash with EU values, as the fallout from Ratko Mladić’s funeral continues to test Serbia’s EU path. War Crimes Diplomacy Shock: Bosnia and Herzegovina announced it will recall embassy staff and cut bilateral contacts to the “lowest possible level” after Serbia’s honors for Mladić. Belgrade Funeral Fallout: Thousands attended Mladić’s burial with military honors in Belgrade, despite EU warnings, deepening domestic polarization and straining regional ties. Culture & Governance: A dispute over the Faculty of Serbian Studies at the University of Niš was rejected, while Film Center Serbia’s failure to announce new filmmaking competitions after NAFFIT sparked fresh criticism. International Moves: Russia and Serbia agreed to expand space cooperation, while Uzbekistan’s President Mirziyoyev arrived for talks aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.

Early Elections Push: Serbia’s government asked President Aleksandar Vučić to dissolve parliament and call a snap election, with PM Djuro Macut announcing the move after an extraordinary session. EU Accession Pressure: The Ratko Mladić funeral in Belgrade—held with military honours and attended by senior officials—has triggered sharp EU backlash, with Brussels warning that glorification of convicted war criminals violates EU values. Regional Fallout: Thousands turned out across Serbia and Republika Srpska for the burial, while EU officials cancelled visits over the ceremony. Diplomacy & Investment: PM Djuro Macut met France’s development agency chief to discuss infrastructure, applied sciences, and France’s role in EXPO 2027. Transport for EU Path: Nemanja Starović met Transport Community director Talis Linkaits on improving rail/road connectivity, border congestion, and EU standards. Security & Justice: Nine people sought by Monaco under Interpol Red Notices were extradited with help from Serbia and others. Disaster Risk Cooperation: Macut met UNDRR head Kamal Kishore to strengthen early warning, local response capacity, and emergency systems. International Spotlight: The UN backed a new world map projection to correct how Africa’s size is shown, while Serbia’s stance appears tied to broader sovereignty and representation debates.

EU Accession Pressure: European Commissioner Marta Kos cancelled a planned Serbia visit, saying the glorification around Ratko Mladic’s death is incompatible with EU values—while President Vučić dismissed her explanation as “stupid.” War-Crime Politics in Sport: Serbia’s “eternal derby” in Belgrade opened with a minute of silence and chants honoring Mladic, after UEFA fined Crvena Zvezda €90,000 and imposed new restrictions over similar supporter behavior. Funeral Arrangements: Mladic is set for burial in Belgrade on Sept. 7, with his son urging a “peaceful” farewell and Serbian officials detailing appeals over medical treatment. Democracy vs Surveillance: An EU Greens MEP called Serbia’s spyware targeting of students and opposition a criminal attack on democracy, urging EU action ahead of elections. LGBTQ Rights: Belgrade Pride drew thousands with international and EU delegation participation, amid claims of threats and unmet demands. Diplomacy & Mobility: Serbia and Saudi Arabia signed a visa-waiver deal for diplomatic, special and service passports. International Cartography Row: UN-backed “Correct the Map” efforts gained support, but India insisted any depiction of J&K and Ladakh must match its official map.

Serbia’s Election Countdown: The ruling SNS unanimously named President Aleksandar Vučić as its parliamentary election lead candidate and prime minister pick, with the campaign set to start and rallies planned in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš and Kragujevac. EU Accession Pressure: The funeral and commemoration of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić in Belgrade continues to trigger international backlash, with EU officials distancing themselves and Serbia facing scrutiny over “glorification.” Diplomacy & Mobility: Serbia and Saudi Arabia signed a visa-waiver deal for holders of diplomatic, special and service passports, signaling deeper bilateral cooperation. International Politics via Maps: India backed the UN “Correct the Map” resolution on equal-area world maps but insisted Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh must be shown per India’s official map—an example of how cartography keeps colliding with sovereignty claims. Regional Context: Sarajevo Canton reported an 8% rise in tourist arrivals in August, with Serbia listed among key source markets. Security Watch: Drone strikes hit Russia’s Ryazan Oil Refinery and the Rostov region, damaging infrastructure and sparking fires.

UN Cartography Clash: The UN General Assembly adopted Togo’s “Correct the Map” resolution backing the Equal Earth projection (164-1), with the U.S. the lone no vote and Serbia among six abstentions—sparking fresh debate over “cognitive justice” and who gets fair representation on global maps. Serbia’s Election Power Move: Serbia’s ruling SNS unanimously nominated President Aleksandar Vučić as its lead candidate and prime minister pick for a snap parliamentary election expected on Oct. 25, with Vučić saying he will step down as president after state duties. EU Pressure Over Mladic: EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos cancelled a Serbia visit, citing Serbia’s “glorification” of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, as EU officials warn the funeral handling is a test for membership. Mladic Funeral Fallout: In Belgrade, a commemoration for Mladić drew hundreds ahead of burial, while regional condemnation continues over military honours and public tributes. Diplomatic Watch: Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is set to visit Serbia Sept. 7-8 for talks and a business forum. Local Politics: Serbia’s opposition and youth protests remain a backdrop as election preparations intensify.

UN Map Overhaul: The UN General Assembly backed an African-led resolution to “Correct the Map,” voting 164-1 to encourage wider use of the Equal Earth projection, which makes Africa appear larger and Europe/North America smaller than on the centuries-old Mercator map; the US was the lone “no,” while Serbia abstained along with Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Moldova and Ukraine. EU Accession Pressure: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos cancelled a planned Serbia visit, saying any public glorification of convicted Bosnian Serb war criminal Ratko Mladić is incompatible with EU values; Mladić’s burial in Belgrade is set to draw thousands amid regional condemnation. Domestic Politics: Serbia’s ruling party formally proposed President Aleksandar Vučić as prime minister candidate if it wins early parliamentary elections expected around Oct. 25, with protests and the Novi Sad railway tragedy still shaping the political mood. Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s president will visit Serbia on Sept. 7-8 for talks and a business forum, with agreements expected across trade, investment and sector cooperation. Security/Tech: China launched a plan for a 3D satellite network to monitor solar activity and cislunar space, with Serbia listed among participating countries.

EU–Serbia Accession Clash: Enlargement chief Marta Kos cancelled her planned Serbia trip after the death of Ratko Mladić, calling the “glorification” incompatible with EU values; Serbia’s leadership hit back, while Brussels warned against state honours at Monday’s funeral. Digital Rights & Elections: A group of 29 MEPs urged the EU to slow Serbia’s accession over alleged mercenary spyware targeting Serbian student activists and opposition ahead of elections, citing SHARE Foundation findings and calling it an attack on democracy. Kosovo Tensions: Serbia’s Kosovo office accused Pristina of continuing unlawful demolitions of Serb-owned properties near Gazivode Lake, saying media access was blocked by armed police. Energy Connectivity: Greece and Balkan partners signed deals to extend the Vertical Gas Corridor to North Macedonia and Serbia, aiming for stronger cross-border, bidirectional gas capacity. UN Global Politics: The UN General Assembly endorsed a new “Equal Earth” map to better reflect Africa’s size; the US voted against, while Serbia abstained. Economy & Inflation Watch: Rising oil and gas prices are feeding into European inflation pressures, with gas storage levels reported at the lowest for this time of year.

EU Accession Pressure: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos canceled a planned Serbia visit, calling the “glorification” around Ratko Mladić’s death incompatible with EU values, as Belgrade prepares a funeral with state-linked honours. War Crimes Fallout: Mladić’s remains arrived in Belgrade on a Serbian government plane, with supporters lining the route and officials confirming autopsy and a Sept. 7 burial at Topčider cemetery. Diplomatic Backlash: Belgium and Croatia also condemned the honours, while EU officials warned the funeral will be a “very important test” for Serbia’s EU path and alignment on foreign policy. Election Integrity & Surveillance: CRTA released an audio alleging mass registration of Serbian voters in Bosnia ahead of Serbia’s election, while EU lawmakers renewed scrutiny after reports of Pegasus-style spyware targeting student activists. Domestic Politics: Ahead of snap parliamentary elections expected soon, students said they’ve prepared an electoral list of 250 candidates but will reveal names only after the election is officially called. Foreign Policy Outreach: Serbia’s President Vučić launched a “non-political” podcast as election talk grows, and Foreign Minister Đurić met envoys from Cambodia, Saudi Arabia, Namibia, and Sudan on cooperation tied to the Non-Aligned Movement anniversary.

War Crimes & Diplomacy: Ratko Mladić’s body arrived in Belgrade on a Serbian government plane with military honours, after the UN mechanism handed over the remains; Serbia is preparing a public viewing and a Monday burial at Topčider, while EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos warned that honouring war criminals has “no place” in EU values. Elections & Security: A major spyware row is escalating ahead of Serbia’s October 25 snap parliamentary vote, with digital rights groups alleging a “largest documented wave” targeting student and opposition figures using Pegasus and NoviSpy, while Serbian officials deny wrongdoing and say claims are sensational. Kosovo Tensions: President Vučić accused Kosovo protest organisers of threatening violence ahead of the Thaçi verdict, saying Serbia will wait for the court’s decision before responding. Energy Deal: Serbia, EPS/Srbija-gas and Azerbaijan’s SOCAR agreed on a joint venture for a new gas-fired power plant in Niš, with signing expected in Belgrade within a month. Foreign Policy/Travel: Serbia and Saudi Arabia signed a mutual visa exemption deal for diplomatic and special passports, and Serbia also announced six job categories for foreigners that can be done without a work permit for short stays.

Energy Deal: Serbia’s EPS, Srbijagas and Azerbaijan’s SOCAR have completed talks in Istanbul on a shareholders’ agreement for a new gas-fired power plant (up to 500 MW), with signing expected in Belgrade next month and construction targeted for completion within four years. Electoral Roll Accountability: A Green-Left Front commission member says no minister of state administration since 2012 “did anything” to fix the electoral roll, arguing irregularities were left to grow and manipulations became easier. Spyware & Elections: Serbia’s student and opposition figures report advanced spyware targeting ahead of the March local vote; SHARE and others describe a major Pegasus-linked wave, while US Congressman Joe Wilson alleges the Vucic government used spyware against Serbian citizens. Kosovo Governance: Petar Petkovic says Pristina’s refusal to form the Community of Serb Municipalities is not “political will” but a breach of signed agreements, blaming Brussels for letting Kurti avoid the agenda. War Crimes Fallout: President Vučić says Ratko Mladić’s body will arrive in Serbia Thursday, with security planning for tens of thousands expected at the funeral—amid regional and EU criticism of any glorification. Child Safety Online: UNICEF estimates about 20 million internet-using children across 21 countries faced online sexual exploitation or abuse in a year, with nearly 60% of cases tied to social media. Security Incidents: Serbia is investigating an “organised group” allegedly moving explosives and drones into EU countries, after seizures near the Hungary border and reported links to Leipzig drone incidents.

Snap Elections: Serbia is set for early parliamentary elections on October 25, with President Vučić expected to dissolve parliament in the coming days; the move follows months of unrest tied to the Novi Sad railway station tragedy and renewed calls for accountability. Protest Pressure: Vučić postponed an SNS rally in Novi Sad, saying human lives come first amid fears of clashes. Surveillance & Opposition: Digital rights group SHARE says at least 14 Serbian civil society figures were targeted by mercenary spyware ahead of local elections, including Pegasus and NoviSpy variants; authorities deny state involvement. Kosovo Tensions: Vučić warned NATO and Washington after reports of changes around KFOR guarding the Ibar Bridge, saying reopening could escalate threats to Serbs and Christians. Non-Aligned Movement Diplomacy: Serbia hosted NAM’s 65th anniversary in Belgrade, with leaders including Ghana’s Mahama calling for turning resolutions into action, while Serbia’s Đurić met counterparts from Guinea-Bissau, Ghana, and Cameroon to deepen cooperation. Local Governance: Belgrade plans a new downtown public parking lot on leased BNSF Railway property to ease chronic parking shortages. Regional Memory Politics: Croatia’s Plenković condemned tributes to Ratko Mladić, saying Serbia has not undergone “catharsis,” as Bosnia’s Serb communities continue mourning and honoring him.

Non-Aligned Movement Diplomacy: Serbia hosted the 65th NAM anniversary in Belgrade, with President Vučić calling for renewed commitment to sovereignty and multilateralism while Ghana’s Mahama pushed for stronger African representation at the UN Security Council. Foreign Policy Outreach: Marko Đurić met Guinea-Bissau, Cameroon and Ghana officials, stressing deeper economic ties and Expo 2027 participation, while Serbia also held defence talks with Zimbabwe. Elections Watch: PM Djuro Macut said exact election timing is expected “in the next few days,” with preparations now the priority. Media Freedom: Serbia’s Independent Journalists’ Association warned that Yettel’s removal of N1 and Nova from bundles could harm media pluralism amid broader pressure on outlets. Civil Accountability: Thousands marched in Belgrade and Novi Sad demanding justice for the Novi Sad railway station tragedy, again calling for end-to-end responsibility. Environment & Planning: NGOs Transparency Serbia and RERI criticised amendments that could allow construction on wildfire-damaged forest land, arguing exceptions could undermine protections. Church University Plan: Serbia submitted a draft to enable the Orthodox Church to found the “St. Sava” university, but key academic details are still missing. Regional Politics: EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos criticised Serbia’s plans for state honours for Ratko Mladić as protests continued in Bosnia.

Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Belgrade: Serbia hosted the 65th anniversary of the first NAM conference, with President Aleksandar Vučić framing the bloc as the “strongest bastion of multilateralism” and warning against “selective” international law. Global South Diplomacy: Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama used the platform to push NAM members to move from declarations to coordinated action, while also urging sustained attention to Sudan and Gaza. Bilateral Deals Around NAM: Serbia’s PM Djuro Macut thanked Lebanon for backing Serbia’s sovereignty and discussed EXPO 2027, while Serbia also held talks with Nepal, Egypt, Azerbaijan and São Tomé and Príncipe on deepening cooperation. EU Accession Pressure Over Mladić: Croatia warned Serbia that a state funeral with full military honours for Ratko Mladić would “close the doors” to EU membership, and the EU’s enlargement commissioner said glorifying war criminals has no place in EU candidate countries. Finance & Markets: The National Bank of Serbia said Euroclear Bank joined its RTGS system, aiming to improve access for foreign investors to dinar government bonds. Judiciary & Protests: Serbia’s “Novi Sad 12” subversion trial was postponed again, with the court citing a defendant’s fitness assessment.

Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Belgrade: Serbian PM Djuro Macut and President Aleksandar Vučić used the 65th NAM anniversary to stress dialogue, multilateralism and respect for international law, framing Belgrade as a hub for “peace, equality, sovereignty and cooperation.” Diplomacy & Kosovo: Serbia’s foreign ministry said Dušan Kozarev met São Tomé and Príncipe’s defence and interior minister Horácio de Sousa, with Serbia thanking the country for reversing its earlier decision to recognise Kosovo, while both sides discussed tourism, security and defence ties. Global South push: Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama urged NAM to move from declarations to coordinated action, calling for stronger member-state coordination and renewed influence for the Global South, including attention to crises such as Sudan and Gaza. Refugee rights paperwork: Serbia’s biometric ID cards for asylum seekers were described by an NGO as procedural access to services, not citizenship or voting rights. War-crimes funeral backlash: Bosniak leaders in Serbia warned that state honours for convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić would glorify him, reopening wounds after his death.

Non-Aligned Movement Diplomacy: Serbia’s top diplomats are meeting visiting counterparts from Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Cuba, India, Mali, Tanzania, and Burundi as Belgrade hosts the 65th NAM anniversary, with repeated emphasis on sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Expo 2027 participation. State-to-State Outreach: President John Dramani Mahama arrived in Belgrade for the summit, underscoring Ghana’s founding role in NAM and the bloc’s Cold War-era push for independent foreign policy. Foreign Policy Politics: Foreign Minister Marko Đurić told Serbia’s National Assembly that the “General Staff” affair caused serious political and reputational damage, arguing the opposition helped fuel negative coverage abroad. Industry & Security Tech: Serbia signed a framework deal with China’s Reliance Energy for a battery plant in Indjija, aimed at drones and humanoid robots—while officials also frame the project as boosting domestic supply chains. Migration Enforcement: Frontex coordinated a Western Balkans operation arresting 112 suspected smugglers and detecting document fraud, as EU entry rules tighten. Sports & National Pride: Serbia’s international spotlight also includes Nikola Jović’s Serbia-Italy World Cup qualifier moment and a Serbian-hosted deaf 3x3 World Cup in Zlatibor.

Non-Aligned Movement Diplomacy: Serbia hosts the 65th NAM anniversary in Belgrade, with India’s Kiren Rijiju and Tanzania’s President Hussein Ali Mwinyi among the top guests, as officials stress sovereignty and non-alignment’s “lessons for today.” Parliament & Budget: The National Assembly adopted a revised 2026 state budget, lifting revenue to RSD 2,527.15bn and expenditures to RSD 2,923bn, while MPs also vote on judiciary, anti-corruption, e-governance, media and real-estate registration items. War Crimes Politics: Ratko Mladić’s death has reignited controversy over Serbia’s planned state funeral and how nationalism and the 1990s past are being framed. US-Serbia Pressure: A new US bipartisan SRBIJA Act would push sanctions and visa restrictions tied to Serbia’s ties with Russia, China and Iran and concerns over rule of law. Economy & Infrastructure: Serbia opened the Chinese-built Danube Corridor expressway, while Parliament also moves on infrastructure financing and a North Macedonia–Serbia gas interconnector contract. Kosovo Courts: Two Kosovo Serbs pleaded guilty and received prison terms over 2022 roadblocks tied to northern border crossings. Belgrade Pride Week: Pride Week begins under “There’s Room for All of Us,” with a march scheduled for Sept. 5. Energy & Industry: The US extended NIS’s operating licence to Sept. 30 as MOL-Gazprom talks continue, and Serbia faces renewed scrutiny over occupational safety after another fatal workplace accident.