AGP Executive Report

Courtroom Tensions: Serbia’s Culture Minister Nikola Selaković’s trial resumed in the General Staff building case, as a small group of students and protesters gathered outside the Special Court, booing and chanting “Treason” while linking the dispute to the recently arrested Belgrade police chief Veselin Milic. Regional Security: At the SEECP summit in Sofia, Serbian PM Djuro Macut stressed regional unity over isolation, pointing to shared threats like organised crime, irregular migration, cyber and hybrid risks. Kosovo Legal Reminder: Serbian FM Marko Đurić marked UNSCR 1244’s anniversary by warning that international law can’t be “selectively” applied, saying violations undermine rights of Kosovo-Serbs and Serbia. Defense Diplomacy: Defence Minister Bratislav Gasic met Azerbaijan’s Zakir Hasanov, reaffirming Serbia’s military neutrality and concern over Kosovo processes violating UNSCR 1244. Energy & Sanctions: NIS asked the US OFAC for a new special licence to keep operating beyond June 16, citing advanced talks on ownership changes and the need for energy stability. EU Scrutiny of Foreign Money: The European Commission will probe Middle Eastern funding behind the Paramount Skydance–Warner Bros. Discovery merger, with deadlines set for July 7 and July 14. Industry Push: Serbia’s Minister Sara Pavkov met China’s Minth Group on humanoid robots manufacturing in Serbia, pitching it as a step toward EXPO 2027-linked services.

Energy & Sanctions: Serbia says it will not block the Gazprom–MOL process to sell Russia’s majority stake in NIS, with talks “progressing well” and a US OFAC deadline extended to June 16. Regional Diplomacy: Prime Minister Đuro Macut and Moldova’s Alexandru Munteanu attend the SEECP summit in Sofia, focused on regional unity, security, and sustainable development, with Bulgaria hosting and Romania set to take over the chairmanship. Rule of Law & Security: Serbia’s Interior Ministry Rapid Response Unit commander and several members were arrested over alleged trading in influence tied to a 2025 incident at a Belgrade restaurant; one suspect remains at large. EU Accession Pressure: European Parliament rapporteur Tonino Picula warns Serbia’s EU path is stalled on democracy, rule of law, anti-corruption, and media freedom, urging alignment with EU foreign policy including sanctions on Russia. Arms Industry Backlash: 12 activists were arrested in Belgrade during protests against an Elbit Systems drone factory, as critics link Serbia’s arms deals to the Gaza conflict. Bilateral Ties (Angola): President João Lourenço’s visit to Belgrade includes an award exchange and signing of 10 cooperation agreements with Serbia, spanning investment, transport, agriculture, ICT, and environmental cooperation. Foreign Policy (Kosovo): Serbia’s FM Marko Đurić met Angola’s FM Tete António, highlighting Angola’s non-recognition stance on Kosovo and pushing for deeper economic cooperation.

World Cup 2026 (Serbia angle): Mexico kick off the expanded 48-team tournament against South Africa at the Azteca, with El Tri coming off a 5-1 warm-up win over Serbia and Javier Aguirre expected to rotate between a 4-3-3 and 4-1-4-1. Albania protests & EU politics: Thousands in Tirana keep protesting Jared Kushner/Ivanka Trump’s $1.6bn resort plan near Sazan and Zvërnec, with claims of ecological damage and warnings from EU officials that the project could clash with EU environmental rules—an issue for Albania’s EU path. Serbia–Angola diplomacy: Serbian FM Marko Đurić met Angola’s Tete António as President João Lourenço visited Belgrade; the two sides signed 10 legal instruments, including double-taxation and investment protection deals, while Vučić urged faster economic cooperation and new private investment. Energy & sanctions: Serbia’s mining minister says talks on MOL’s acquisition of Gazprom’s majority stake in NIS are progressing, but deadlines are tight as US OFAC approval and NIS licensing expire on June 16. Regional security cooperation: Slovakia and Serbia’s interior ministries signed an agreement to keep working together on illegal migration and border security.

EU Security & Citizenship: The European Commission warns that rising numbers of Russians getting Serbian passports could create an EU security risk, noting that visa-free entry may follow for some holders and urging stronger checks on applications. Energy Cooperation: Serbia and Ukraine are reported to have met 2025 and interim 2026 gas storage targets under the Energy Community rules, with Serbia’s Banatski Dvor storage cited as progressing but still awaiting certification of the storage operator. Diplomacy & Business: Angola’s President João Lourenço begins a three-day official visit to Serbia, with talks expected to produce ten economic cooperation agreements, including double-tax and investment protection deals. Digital Government: Post of Serbia launches eMailCarrier, a new digital service for secure electronic delivery of invoices and notifications to a single eMailbox, with tracking and delivery confirmation. Public Life & Culture: Over a million people reportedly visited Belgrade’s Church of Saint Sava to see a holy relic of the Virgin Mary’s belt, displayed for 24/7 access. Tourism Links: Azerbaijan promotes year-round tourism in Belgrade, highlighting visa-free travel and direct flights between Baku and Belgrade. Local Economy & Branding: A Belgrade coffee shop, Kafeterija Magazin 1907, is listed among the world’s 25 most influential coffee businesses by Monocle.

EU Enlargement & Serbia’s EU Path: Serbia’s EU accession team says Belgrade could be “technically ready” to open Cluster 2 by end-June, with internal-market and state-aid laws key to moving talks forward. EU Funding Pressure: European Parliament rapporteur Tonino Picula warns Serbia has one last chance before Brussels considers freezing €1.5bn under the Western Balkans Growth Plan, urging repeal of the “Mrdić laws” and concrete rule-of-law progress. Kosovo Politics: Kaja Kallas says Kosovo’s democratic election results open the way to end a year-long political blockade, while stressing continued Belgrade–Pristina dialogue for EU progress. Serbia’s Security Messaging: President Vučić told coalition partners Serbia is investing in its army to protect its skies and land, warning the country would not survive without military strength. Economy & Growth: Prime Minister Djuro Macut chaired a GDP-growth coordination session citing 3.2% Q1 growth, with tourism, construction and foreign trade highlighted and a push to accelerate 20 priority investment projects. Regional Diplomacy: Vučić is set to receive Angola’s Lourenço for talks on bilateral cooperation. Opposition in Republika Srpska: SDS confirmed Branko Blanuša as its Republika Srpska presidential candidate, amid visible opposition bloc tensions over cooperation with the Safe Srpska Movement.

Kosovo Snap Election Fallout: Kosovo PM Albin Kurti’s Vetëvendosje won the early parliamentary vote with about 43% of ballots counted, but still fell short of a governing majority, setting up coalition talks after 18 months of political deadlock and low turnout. EU Integration Pressure: Brussels-linked reform demands remain the backdrop as Kosovo’s institutions stay blocked, with analysts warning the stalemate could drag on. Serbia-EU Messaging at Summit: In Tivat, Aleksandar Vučić said talks with EU leaders were “productive” and expected progress on Serbia’s European path, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed Serbia must choose—balancing Russia/China with Europe is “not possible.” Energy and Sanctions Reality Check: MOL received a new U.S. OFAC license to keep negotiating its acquisition of a majority stake in Serbia’s NIS until June 16, highlighting how sanctions still shape Serbia’s energy deals. Regional Diplomacy: Angola’s João Lourenço begins an official visit to Serbia, with plans for agreements and a business forum. Albania Protest Flashpoint: Thousands protested in Albania against a Kushner-linked luxury resort near protected wetlands, with authorities backing the project while critics warn of environmental harm.

EU-Western Balkans Summit: Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić says talks in Tivat with EU leaders (von der Leyen, Costa, plus Merz and Macron) were “very good,” expecting progress on Serbia’s European path, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told reporters Serbia’s EU route is “open” but the country must decide where it stands—“balancing between Russia, China and Europe is not possible.” Energy & Economy: Serbia agreed another three-month extension of its Gazprom gas supply deal, with the energy minister citing stable, “affordable” deliveries and discussing expansion of the Banatski Dvor storage facility. Trade Diplomacy: Serbia and South Korea have completed negotiations on a free trade agreement, with signing expected after both sides finish procedures. Kosovo Politics: Kosovo held its third snap parliamentary election in 18 months; early results show Kurti’s Vetevendosje leading with about 43.7%, while turnout reports from Serb-majority areas remain higher than in Albanian-majority municipalities, as the wider political deadlock continues. Regional Security: Kosovo police seized weapons and ammunition from an empty house in northern Zubin Potok, including an AK-47 and grenades, with a case opened over unauthorized possession. Tech & Investment: Serbia plans to work with Rosatom to bring more digital and IT companies into the market, aiming to expand cooperation in digitalization and advanced solutions.

Kosovo Snap Vote: Kosovo goes to the polls on Sunday for its third parliamentary election in 18 months after parties failed to agree on a new president, with voter frustration rising as the country struggles to form stable institutions and keep EU/NATO momentum. Albania Protests & Kushner Resort: Thousands of Albanians keep protesting a €1.4bn luxury resort plan linked to Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, with demonstrators targeting the project’s impact on the Vjosa-Narta protected wetland and accusing officials of corruption and lack of transparency. Serbia-EU Energy & Trade: Serbia’s government extended a temporary cut in excise duties on fuel until June 14, while the US granted Hungary’s MOL more time to negotiate buying Russia-controlled NIS, keeping the Serbia energy deal in motion. EU Enlargement Push: EU leaders, including Macron and Merz, backed faster Western Balkans enlargement, floating “gradual access” ideas that could reshape Serbia’s accession path. Regional Politics Watch: Montenegro and other Balkan states are also positioning for EU timelines, while Kosovo’s election cycle underlines how political gridlock can stall reforms.

EU Enlargement Push: At the EU–Western Balkans summit in Tivat, Montenegro, France’s Macron and Germany’s Merz backed a faster, “gradual integration” model that could bring candidates earlier access to EU markets and meetings, while Merz warned Serbia it must clearly choose Europe over balancing with Russia and China. Kosovo Snap Election: Kosovo is set for its third parliamentary vote in 18 months on June 7, with Prime Minister Albin Kurti seeking a stronger mandate to end an institutional deadlock that has repeatedly blocked stable majorities. Serbia–UAE Ties: Serbian PM Đuro Macut met UAE FNC Speaker Saqr Ghobash, reaffirming cooperation and pointing to the CEPA deal as a driver for investment and trade. Judicial/Legal Cooperation: Bulgaria’s acting Prosecutor General Vanya Stefanova signed an extradition request for S.M. detained in Serbia, tied to a European Arrest Warrant linked to the Bulgarian Development Bank case. Albania Protests Over Kushner Resort: Thousands protested in Albania against a Kushner-linked luxury development near protected wetlands, with demonstrators citing environmental risks and corruption concerns. Serbia–China Industry Upgrade: A report highlights Serbia’s growing use of Chinese technology in manufacturing, described by workers as a “Chinese brain” system for production monitoring.

EU–Western Balkans Summit in Tivat: EU and Western Balkan leaders met in Montenegro to push enlargement, with EU officials stressing “membership-lite” style gradual integration, faster reforms, and stronger security cooperation as the bloc seeks to counter Russia and China. Serbia’s EU path: Serbian President Vučić told reporters Serbia remains on the EU path and framed the summit as respectful and reform-focused, while German Chancellor Merz said Belgrade must make a clear strategic choice between Europe and others. Kosovo election watch: Kosovo holds its third parliamentary election in 18 months amid institutional paralysis and frustration over Prime Minister Kurti’s stance toward Serbia, with EU leaders treating the vote as a test for Kosovo’s EU trajectory. UNIFIL tragedy: The UN condemned the killing of a Serbian peacekeeper in Lebanon and called for attacks on UN personnel to stop, as investigations continue and more peacekeepers were reported wounded. Bulgaria–Serbia legal link: Bulgaria’s acting Prosecutor General signed a request for extradition of S.M. from Serbia, tied to a European Arrest Warrant connected to the Bulgarian Development Bank case. Regional politics spillover: Montenegro’s EU accession momentum was highlighted alongside renewed debate over “gradual integration,” while Albania’s Kushner-linked resort protests underscored how environmental and legal disputes are shaping Balkan politics.

EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat: Serbia’s President Vučić said accession remains Serbia’s “strategic goal” and welcomed a Franco-German push for “gradual integration” that could speed reforms and open talks faster, while EU leaders repeated that enlargement must be “faster and more credible” and still merit-based. EU Enlargement Politics: German Chancellor Merz told Serbia it must “clearly decide” its future is in Europe, as EU officials and candidate leaders discussed phased benefits without abandoning the reform track. Aviation & Competition: Wizz Air warned Serbia’s proposed aviation rule changes could force it to close its Belgrade base from Nov 2026, accusing authorities of protecting Air Serbia and risking about 150 jobs. Serbia–South Korea Trade: Prime Minister Đurić Macut met South Korea’s trade minister after signing the completion of talks for a comprehensive economic partnership/free trade framework, aiming to deepen investment and business ties. UNIFIL Incident: India condemned the attack on UNIFIL personnel that killed a Serbian peacekeeper and urged a thorough investigation and accountability. Kosovo Vote Tensions: Kosovo police detained a Serbian List activist over alleged vote bribery ahead of the 7 June election, with Serbia’s side accusing political pressure. Regional Protest Watch: Albania’s “Flamingo Revolution” protests against a Kushner-linked luxury resort near protected wetlands drew thousands in Tirana.

EU Enlargement Push: EU leaders meeting in Tivat aim to speed up accession for six Western Balkan candidates, with Antonio Costa stressing “real prospects” and faster delivery of reforms. Montenegro’s Bid: Montenegro is positioning itself as a frontrunner for EU entry by 2028 as the summit begins amid heavy security and high-level attendance. Bosnia Peace Deal Deadlock: The US and Europe failed to agree on a new top envoy to oversee Bosnia’s Dayton implementation after Christian Schmidt’s surprise resignation, with Washington warning it may reconsider its role. Serbia-UAE Diplomacy: Serbian PM Đuro Macut met UAE FNC Speaker Saqr Ghobash, reaffirming CEPA-driven economic ties and broader regional cooperation. Lebanon/UNIFIL Fallout: A Serbian UNIFIL peacekeeper was killed in a mortar attack near Marjayoun; India and the UN condemned the strike as Hezbollah rejects the latest ceasefire terms. Albania Resort Protests: Thousands in Tirana protested Jared Kushner-linked plans for a €1.4bn luxury resort on protected coastal wetlands, escalating pressure on Prime Minister Edi Rama. South Korea-Serbia Trade: Seoul and Belgrade signed a CEPA, removing tariffs on 90% of traded goods and targeting supply-chain materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. Belgrade Water Alert: Belgrade declared a water system emergency after two wells went offline, with officials insisting tap water remains safe to drink.

Kosovo Elections: Serbia’s Office for Kosovo-Metohija is urging displaced Kosovo Serbs to vote for the Belgrade-backed Serbian List in the 7 June parliamentary vote, framing it as “survival” for Serbs as the EU calls for a free, transparent contest without outside interference. EU Accession Politics: EU Council President Antonio Costa wrapped up a Western Balkans tour and told Serbia that membership hinges on election-law fixes, court updates, and better Kosovo relations, while the EU also signals it will try to speed up the process for six candidates at the Tivat summit. Tivat Security Row: President Aleksandar Vučić arrived in Montenegro for the EU-Western Balkans summit despite Serbian intelligence warnings and a prior ban on 87 Serbian nationals, saying Montenegrin crime clans sought to arrange his assassination. Serbia–Russia Energy: In St Petersburg, Energy Minister Dubravka Đedović Handanović said Gazprom confirmed a three-month extension of gas supplies and discussed storage expansion, while also pressing for a workable solution to US sanctions affecting NIS. Lebanon/UNIFIL: Qatar condemned an attack on a UNIFIL post that killed a Serbian peacekeeper and injured two others; UN chief Guterres also denounced the killing as Hezbollah rejected the latest Israel-Lebanon ceasefire terms. Albania Protest: Thousands in Albania protested a Kushner-linked luxury resort plan, with police using water cannons as environmental concerns and political backlash intensify. Aviation: Wizz Air warned Serbia’s regulatory changes could force it to close its Belgrade base from November.

Kosovo-EU Track: European Council President António Costa told voters in Pristina that Kosovo needs strong, stable institutions to move closer to the EU, adding that Brussels won’t do the reforms for it and that normalising ties with Serbia remains essential, with the Brussels agreement and Ohrid annex needing full implementation. Serbia-Finland Diplomacy: Serbia’s Foreign Minister Marko Đurić met Finland’s parliamentary foreign affairs committee in Helsinki, stressing stronger interparliamentary cooperation and briefing on Serbia’s EU path and Kosovo-related issues. Montenegro Security Row: Serbia’s BIA said it warned President Aleksandar Vučić not to travel to Tivat for the EU-Western Balkans summit, citing a “high security risk” linked to alleged presence of Radoje Zvicer in Montenegro; Montenegro’s foreign ministry responded that it will host partners at the highest level. Albania Protests Over Kushner Resort: Thousands protested in Tirana for a fourth day against a Jared Kushner-linked €1.4bn coastal project near protected wetlands, with clashes reported and critics warning of environmental damage and governance concerns over “strategic investor” status. EU Balkan Incentives: The EU is set to negotiate cheaper mobile roaming for Western Balkans countries as a practical accession “sweetener” ahead of a Montenegro summit. Serbia Consumer Law: Serbia adopted a new Consumer Protection Law tightening rules on pricing transparency, online shopping and digital services, while raising questions about implementation capacity. Sports-Politics Spillover: Juventus confirmed Serbian striker Dušan Vlahović will leave as a free agent, while Serbia’s broader regional presence continues through diplomacy and cross-border cooperation.

EU Accession & Rule of Law: The European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee adopted a Serbia report warning reforms are stalled or backsliding, especially on rule of law, democracy and judicial independence, with the resolution set for the July plenary. Parliamentary Diplomacy: Serbia’s National Assembly hosted UAE Federal National Council Speaker Saqr Ghobash, who said the UAE sees Serbia as a key partner and pledged deeper parliamentary cooperation. Energy & Sanctions: Hungary’s MOL asked the US OFAC for another 30 days to finish talks on buying a Russian stake in Serbia’s NIS, with an operating licence extension also expected. Regional Security: Montenegro barred 87 Serbian nationals from entering ahead of the EU-Western Balkans summit in Tivat, citing security risks based on intelligence checks. Domestic Security: Serbia’s Education Ministry said bomb threats sent to multiple schools were false after police inspections, and pupils were returned to classes. Kosovo EU Path: Kosovo’s acting president Albulena Haxhiu told EU Council President Antonio Costa that EU integration is a strategic national interest. International Rights Ruling: The European Court of Human Rights said Serbia unlawfully banned a peaceful Falun Gong rally during Xi Jinping’s 2016 visit. Controversial Foreign Project: In Albania, thousands protested a Kushner-linked €1.4bn luxury resort over environmental concerns, echoing wider regional unease about high-end development.

Energy Investment: Serbia’s Acting Mining and Energy Minister Rados Popadić says the country plans to pour €14.4bn into the energy sector from 2028–2035, including new power capacity, grid upgrades, gas interconnectors, and oil pipeline work. EU Reform Agenda: PM Đuro Macut met ministries to push implementation of Serbia’s Reform Agenda, linking progress on rule of law, energy, transport, and digital priorities to unlocking EU Growth Plan funds. Budget Oversight: Serbia’s State Audit Office warns of a major HUF 286bn gap in the 2026 budget, citing missing documentation and unverified assumptions tied to transport and infrastructure spending. Diplomacy: Marko Đurić highlights Finland’s “unequivocal” support for Serbia’s EU path after meetings in Helsinki, while Serbia’s parliamentary leadership also hosted Azerbaijan’s speaker for talks on inter-parliamentary cooperation and women’s parliamentary issues. International Cooperation: Serbia and China Media Group sign cooperation deals in Beijing, including plans tied to Expo 2027 and cultural/media collaboration. Animal Health: Serbia gets its first WOAH reference laboratory for lumpy skin disease of cattle, a boost for veterinary capacity and international recognition. Security & Migration: Reports focus on EU tightening migration rules and “return hubs,” while separate coverage highlights the growing role of “hybrid smuggling” routes through the Western Balkans.