AGP Executive Report

Belgrade Budget & Elections: Belgrade schools cut over $1m after failed spring mill levies, with leaders pointing to a $1m gap left by the election outcome. Anti-Corruption & Campaigning Rules: Parliament began debating amendments to the Law on the Prevention of Corruption, aimed at regulating public officials’ campaigning; Transparency Serbia warns the limits will mostly be cosmetic and won’t stop “pseudo-events” before elections. Kosovo Tensions: Kosovo approved citizenship for U.S. lobbying figures Joe and Shirley DioGuardi, while a separate Kosovo rail repair dispute claims Serbian workshops were used for state coaches. Firefighting & Foreign Help: President Vučić says Serbia’s firefighting helicopters have higher capacity than EU equipment, as Russian Il-76 planes reportedly dropped 798 tons of water in four days. Defense Industry: Serbia is set to produce the “Milosh 2” armored vehicle, built by Yugoimport SDPR’s Complex Combat System. Diplomacy: Serbia and the U.S. launched a Strategic Dialogue, with Serbia pressing for stronger U.S. support on Kosovo rights. International Spotlight: A former Pussy Riot member, Rita Flores, says Russia’s FSB coerced her into spying on artists and activists before she escaped.

Parliament & Budget: The Serbian Assembly has started debating a 2026 budget revision, with spending set to rise by RSD 112.45 billion to RSD 2.527 trillion, aiming to fund aid for citizens and capital projects while projecting 3.3% growth and easing inflation to 3.4%. Elections Watch: President Aleksandar Vučić says elections are coming “in a few days,” while the opposition argues the student-protest “blockaders” are trying to block a vote; the New Democratic Party says it will run independently but is open to post-election opposition cooperation. Media & Rights: The Tomanović Law Office demands answers after tabloid Informer published a recording and photos from a student case file, arguing the defense was denied access to the audio format used publicly. Consumer Policy: From September 1, large retailers must publish store-by-store price lists online under the new Consumer Protection Law, via the Open Data Portal. Kosovo & International Pressure: NATO says changes to KFOR’s Mitrovica bridge presence are being handled transparently and can be reversed, while Kosovo granted citizenship to U.S. advocates Joe and Shirley DioGuardi for decades of lobbying. Wildfires & Foreign Help: Serbia continues fighting major blazes around Deliblatska Sands with EU and Russian support, including rescEU helicopters and teams, as officials warn capacity is stretched. Foreign Affairs: Nepal’s FM Shisir Khanal is set to visit Belgrade for the Non-Aligned Movement’s 65th anniversary commemorative meeting.

Wildfire Response in Serbia: President Aleksandar Vučić visited the Deliblatska Pescara nature reserve as firefighters battled a blaze that has affected over 3,500 hectares since Aug. 5, with 492 tons of water dropped by aircraft and strong winds still a concern. EU Emergency Aid: The EU activated its Civil Protection Mechanism, sending four helicopters, 55 firefighters and vehicles from Germany, plus additional teams from Romania, to support Serbian crews. Fuel Security Risk: Serbia faces a potential fuel supply crunch as NIS’s US license nears expiry on Aug. 28; costs are already rising sharply and officials warn alternative imports may become too expensive or difficult. Politics & Elections: A proposal to amend Serbia’s constitution for a presidential term extension is sparking debate, while Vučić signals snap parliamentary elections are likely for Oct. 18 or 25. Kosovo & International Pressure: Serbia is pushing the International Tribunal for conditional release of Ratko Mladić on humanitarian grounds, as tensions around Kosovo continue. Regional Context: Extreme heat, drought and low river levels are worsening across Europe, hitting agriculture, power generation and inland transport.

Wildfire Response: Serbia’s Deliblatska Pescara blaze keeps escalating, with the EU sending four helicopters and firefighting teams plus Russia’s Il-76 water bomber, while officials warn winds could worsen conditions and prioritize protecting settlements. Climate Pressure: Across Europe, heatwaves and drought are hitting crops, power generation and river transport—low water levels are forcing nuclear and hydropower output cuts and raising electricity and shipping costs. EU-Serbia Politics: EU assistance for Serbia’s fires is becoming a new talking point in Belgrade’s debate over how fast and how fairly Europe responds. Constitutional Debate: A proposal to amend Serbia’s constitution to extend the presidential term is sparking political debate as election planning continues. Elections Ahead: President Vučić signals snap parliamentary elections in October (18 or 25), keeping the political calendar front and center. Church & Influence: A new report argues the Serbian Orthodox Church is functioning as a transnational political network, raising fresh questions about the “Serbian World” concept. Kosovo Tensions: Serbia is pressing international channels over issues tied to Kosovo Serbs and the Mitrovica bridge plan. Security & Law: Serbia is also pushing for conditional release arrangements for Ratko Mladić, while media and rights groups warn about growing pressure on journalists. International Flashpoints: Iran’s threats toward Europe and renewed piracy incidents off Yemen and Somalia add to a busy week of regional security concerns.

Snap Election Watch: President Aleksandar Vučić says Serbia’s parliamentary vote could be held on October 18 or 25, after months of protests and with his party positioning for a return to power. Kosovo Security: Vučić demands NATO/KFOR reverse its Mitrovica Ibar bridge withdrawal plan, warning Serbs fear it’s a setup for further attacks. Wildfire Response: The EU is sending four helicopters and firefighting teams to Serbia as blazes continue, while Vučić highlights Russian Il-76 support and says the Deliblato Sands situation is serious but controlled. EU–Serbia Tensions: EU officials question Serbia’s turn to Russian help for firefighting, as Belgrade insists on emergency needs. Corruption & Courts: Serbia faces renewed pressure over anti-corruption implementation, with GRECO noting only three of 24 recommendations met. Diplomacy: Marko Đurić discusses strengthening Serbia–UK cooperation, including Kosovo stability and EU path support. International Flash: Puntland demands answers after deadly strikes near Garmaal, amid renewed piracy and hijackings in the Gulf of Aden and off Somalia.

Snap Election Watch: Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić says parliamentary elections will likely be held on October 18 or 25, after months of protests and with the SNS expected to lead the race. Kosovo Tensions: Vučić demands NATO/KFOR reverse its plan to withdraw from the Ibar bridge security setup in Mitrovica, warning it could enable further pressure on Serbs. Wildfire Response: Serbia continues battling major fires as Russia’s Emergencies Ministry Il-76 drops water in Deliblato Sands, while EU helicopters and civil protection mechanisms remain part of the response. EU Enlargement Pressure: EU enlargement talks keep moving, but the focus is on what the EU must fix before new members join—decision-making, veto rights, and funding access. Maritime Security: Somali pirates hijacked an oil tanker off Yemen; 22 Indian crew members are reported safe, adding to a renewed piracy wave in the Gulf of Aden and western Indian Ocean. Media & Rights: Serbia faces renewed scrutiny over violence against journalists and stalled anti-corruption progress, with calls for real guarantees ahead of the election cycle.

Snap Elections & Governance: Serbia’s president signals a snap parliamentary election in October, with possible dates of 18 or 25, as the political calendar tightens amid months of protests and coalition maneuvering. Kosovo Pressure & Security: Belgrade’s rhetoric escalates around northern Kosovo, including claims about using the Ibar River as leverage, while NATO reiterates that any Mitrovica bridge reopening must consider the needs of all communities. Rule of Law & Media Freedom: Serbia faces renewed scrutiny over corruption and press freedom, with warnings that violence against journalists is intensifying amid near-total impunity. EU vs Serbia on Firefighting: Serbia’s wildfire response highlights a political fight over help: Belgrade says it sought EU Civil Protection support, while the EU disputes key claims; Russia’s Il-76 firefighting missions are credited with protecting threatened areas. International Flashpoints: Two separate pirate hijackings off Yemen and Somalia involve 22 Indian seafarers; India says all are safe and authorities are coordinating. Diplomacy: Venezuela’s bilateral agenda is updated with partners including Serbia, while NATO chief contacts with the Serbian president underline ongoing alliance engagement.

Snap Elections: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić says parliamentary elections will likely be held on 18 or 25 October, with the exact date coming “in a few days,” after months of protests tied to the Novi Sad station canopy collapse. Budget & Aid: A supplementary 2026 budget earmarks nearly EUR1 billion for citizen support, including one-off pensioner payments and RSD6,000 for all adults, with analysts linking it to the snap vote. Kosovo Flashpoint: NATO says any decision on reopening the Mitrovica Ibar bridge for vehicles must consider all communities, after Vučić urged NATO to halt KFOR’s transition. Press Freedom: Journalists’ groups warn Serbia’s violence and threats against media workers are rising with near-total impunity. Wildfires & EU Tensions: Serbia is fighting major blazes with help from Russia’s firefighting aircraft, while the EU says Serbia hasn’t activated its Civil Protection mechanism. Crime & Security: A former Serbian footballer, Uroš Milošević, was arrested in Portugal over alleged trafficking of €70m cocaine and firearms; separate reports also detail pirate hijackings off Yemen/Somalia involving Indian crew.

Snap Elections: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić says parliamentary elections will be held on Oct 18 or 25, with the exact date due soon, and that the ruling SNS coalition will run on one list while other groups appear separately. Wildfire Response: Vučić publicly thanks Russia for an Il-76 aircraft that dropped over 200 tons of water, as Russian firefighting teams coordinate with Serbian services amid ongoing blazes. Kosovo Missing Persons: Kosovo authorities report remains of 23 people found in mass graves in northern Kosovo, with identities to be confirmed by forensics, renewing pressure on Serbia over wartime accountability. International Pressure on Media: Russia has placed German FAZ journalist Michael Martens on a wanted list after remarks made during a Belgrade press event, escalating tensions around the Ukraine war. Maritime Security: Pirates hijacked the Cameroon-flagged M/V LUTUF off Somalia; six Indians and Serbian security guards were aboard, and the cargo included Turkish weapons and communications equipment. Foreign Policy & Diplomacy: Serbia and Uzbekistan discuss environmental cooperation, including forestry, biodiversity protection, and green investment links.

EU Accession Pressure: A German outlet says Brussels is effectively giving President Aleksandar Vučić “carte blanche” by staying quiet over provocative rhetoric and Serbia’s drift toward Russia and China, despite EU aid and membership promises. Elections & Integrity: CRTA attorney Pavle Dimitrijević argues polling irregularities won’t be fixed by new privacy screens, pointing to deeper clientelism and weak enforcement; the State Electoral Commission also floated pausing booth procurement. Media Freedom: RSF warns that exiled Serbian journalists are rising in number, describing a spiral of intimidation, lawsuits, and threats that is now pushing reporters out of the country. Wildfires & Foreign Policy: Serbia’s Interior Ministry says it turned to a Russian Il-76 firefighting plane because EU capacity is exhausted; the move revives questions about the Russian-Serbian humanitarian center in Niš and security implications. Diplomacy: Moldova appoints Mihai Mîțu as ambassador to Serbia and Montenegro (from Bucharest) and Sergiu Gurduza to Portugal. Civil Society & Culture: EXIT withdraws from a planned Kyrenia-area festival, citing the political sensitivity of the site.

Kosovo War Crimes Update: Kosovo authorities say forensic teams have found remains of at least 23 people in three suspected mass graves tied to the 1998-1999 conflict, with DNA testing set to follow. Rule of Law in Serbia: Justice minister Selaković says Serbia needs clearer laws, as a disputed draft law draws criticism from legal groups. Anti-Corruption Pressure: GRECO reports Serbia implemented only three of 24 anti-corruption recommendations, adding fresh momentum to reform demands. Kosovo-Serbia Tensions: Vučić accuses Pristina and Western partners of pressuring Kosovo Serbs over the Mitrovica bridge reopening, while Kosovo claims Serbia’s spy service tried to recruit people linked to radical Muslim groups. Wildfire Response: Russia is sending an Il-76 and firefighting team to Serbia after Serbian requests, as officials report major wildfire containment efforts and ongoing risk near the Bulgarian border. International Courts & Politics: A debate piece raises the question of whether Serbia should align with EU sanctions decisions, amid claims Serbia has failed to align on new Belarus measures. Serbia’s Elections & Governance: Opposition groups discuss election participation mechanics, while local mandates in Novi Sad are extended amid protests.

Mitrovica Bridge Tension: President Aleksandar Vučić says Kosovo and Western allies are pressuring Kosovo Serbs as KFOR begins transferring security and Kosovo moves toward fully reopening the Ibar bridge, adding he will write to NATO’s secretary general to seek reversal. Kosovo Police Accountability: Kosovo’s Police Inspectorate recommends suspending two officers over allegations they beat a Kosovo Serb during a raid in Dren, with further steps planned alongside prosecutors. Serbia’s Election Rules Debate: Opposition Get Going for Change warns new fully-enclosed voting booths could enable ballot photographing and calls for phone bans, lockers, and possible detection gates. Media Under Pressure: Democratic Party leader Srdjan Milivojević says the takeover of United Group outlets by Alpac Capital is a “last-ditch effort” that signals the regime’s end, as editors-in-chief were removed without notice. Opposition Coordination: Free Citizens Movement says it will decide whether and how to run in elections only once they are officially called. Defense Modernisation Claim: Vučić says Serbia will soon have 40 fighter jets and highlights broader missile and rocket-launcher upgrades alongside domestic defense production. Wildfires Watch: Serbia’s fire situation remains serious, with Deliblato Sands still the hardest-hit area as teams work to prevent renewed spread.

Presidential Campaign Atmosphere: A Serbian watchdog says President Aleksandar Vučić broke his own record for live TV appearances, tallying 64 broadcasts since August and calling it “inflation from the 1990s.” Elections & Coalition Signals: Vučić told RTS there’s “no drama” in the Socialist Party of Serbia running independently in the next parliamentary and presidential elections, while still aiming to keep coalition ties after the vote—yet Dacic also says there will be no cooperation with opposition or “blockaders.” Media Freedom Under Pressure: Serbia’s media market is roiling after management changes at Adria News Network outlets (N1, Nova S, Nova.rs, Danas, Radar, and Forbes Serbia), with journalists’ groups urging urgent EU-style regulatory scrutiny over the proposed sale to Alpac Capital/European Future Media Investment. Kosovo Flashpoints: Vučić says he will ask NATO to stop the reopening of the Mitrovica bridge, while a Kosovo court ordered 30 days’ pre-trial detention for a Serb suspect over the 2023 attack on KFOR and Kosovo police. Governance & Integrity: GRECO reports Serbia implemented only 3 of 24 anti-corruption recommendations, warning of weak oversight and remaining immunity for corruption offences. Public Services: Belgrade public schools plan 2026–27 cuts via attrition, higher fees, and eliminating teacher and support positions after a failed local levy. Regional Security/Environment: Smoke from fires in Serbia and Albania was reported across eight Western Bulgaria municipalities, with authorities citing wind-driven spread.

Kosovo Flashpoint: President Aleksandar Vučić says he will ask NATO to block the reopening of the Mitrovica bridge, calling it a “major disappointment” and blaming KFOR for the move as the EU says conditions for reopening have been met. Anti-Corruption Watch: GRECO reports Serbia has fully implemented only 3 of 24 anti-corruption recommendations, with ministers still enjoying immunity and integrity checks not required for key appointments, demanding a new update by June 2027. Coalition Politics: SPS leader Ivica Dačić insists the party wants to stay in a post-election coalition with the SNS, while ruling out cooperation with “blockaders” and opposition-linked groups. Elections Logistics: Serbia’s CEC designates 20 diplomatic and consular missions abroad for voting in the general elections. Diplomacy & EU Path: Foreign Minister Marko Đurić met the UK ambassador to discuss stronger bilateral cooperation, including cybersecurity, organized crime fighting, migration, and continued UK support for Serbia’s EU membership bid. Regional Economy: Albania’s Q1 growth outpaces the region, while Serbia is cited at 3.2% growth, alongside Montenegro and North Macedonia.

EU Sanctions Push: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says a major new sanctions package against Russia is coming, potentially expanding the list of targeted people and entities by about a third. Serbia–Kazakhstan Diplomacy: President Vučić met Kazakhstan’s new ambassador, stressing cooperation in agriculture, energy, digitalization, construction and culture, and welcoming Kazakhstan’s role in Expo 2027 in Belgrade. Media Ownership Shift: Portuguese Alpac Capital took control of major independent media in Serbia, including N1 and Nova S, Danas and Radar, with several directors removed as the takeover of Adria News Network continues. Judicial System Reform: Serbia’s judges’ community is pushing back on proposed amendments to the Law on Judges and the Law on Public Prosecution, with public hearings scheduled across major cities. Science Governance: Serbia’s Ministry of Science removed University of Belgrade architecture leaders Nebojša Bojović and Vladan Đokić from an institute management board, citing neglect of duties and political activity. Environment & Infrastructure: Low Danube water levels are disrupting transport and energy supply routes, while WWII-era mines have been found and cleared in the region. Public Safety & Society: Serbia’s real estate market saw fewer property sales but higher total values in Q2 2026, according to RGZ.

University Governance Clash: Serbia’s Ministry of Science removed Nebojša Bojović and Vladan Đokić from leadership roles at the Institute of Architecture and Urban & Spatial Planning, citing neglect of duties, disregard for Serbia’s interests, and political activity undermining scientific integrity. Diplomacy Watch: President Aleksandar Vučić received new ambassadors from Austria, Germany, Algeria, South Korea and Kazakhstan, stressing EU-path dialogue and deeper economic cooperation. Energy & Economy: Serbia advanced a nearly €1bn gas infrastructure expansion with the World Bank, starting with a Niš–Velika Plana pipeline phase and planning future upgrades, storage works and studies for hydrogen transport. EU Accession Politics: A new analysis compares the European Commission’s Serbia Report and the European Parliament’s resolution, explaining why their assessments and tone can differ within the accession process. Elections Timeline: Vučić says parliamentary elections will be called in 15, 20 or 25 days, with a 45–60 day campaign, while CRTA counts frequent TV appearances tied to “blockades” rhetoric. Education Rights: Education workers warn proposed amendments could limit teaching licences, children’s right to assembly and parental participation, after a ministry debate with Belgrade gymnasium representatives. Legal Pressure on Prosecutors: Prosecutors Association of Serbia demanded urgent action after an attack on Valjevo prosecutor Vukašin Vujčić, framing it as a threat to prosecutors’ independence.