AGP Executive Report

EU Accession Pressure: MEPs say Serbia’s EU path is stalled, citing rule-of-law backsliding and a gap between adopting reforms and actually implementing them, while warning there’s no EU future without serious changes. Cluster 3 Fight: Serbia’s FM Marko Đurić argues in Rome that opening Cluster 3 now is a “missed opportunity,” pointing to dozens of reform laws already adopted and pushing for momentum. Regional Diplomacy: Đurić also met Hungary’s Anita Orbán, stressing continued close cooperation and Hungary’s support for Serbia’s EU bid. Elections Shock: President Aleksandar Vučić says he will resign a few days after calling parliamentary elections, with presidential polls following later. Energy & Prices: Serbia’s finance ministry confirms fuel excise taxes will be reduced to help curb inflation and stabilize prices. Church-State Legal Clash: The Serbian Orthodox Church condemns a Ljubljana court verdict against Patriarch Porfirije as unlawful and politically motivated. Aviation Safety Incident: A Ryanair flight from Greece to Germany returned to Thessaloniki after a passenger window dislodged mid-air; a Serbian passenger was injured after being pulled back inside. Defense Industry Showcase: Serbia displayed next-generation armored vehicles, drones and long-range artillery at Eurosatory, signaling ambitions to expand in the global arms market.

Elections Oversight: Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić met ODIHR in Belgrade for an election pre-environment needs assessment, saying 12 of 25 ODIHR recommendations are already implemented and more are coming. Anti-Corruption Push: President Vučić’s anonymous reporting portal “Ko Si bre Ti” (kosibreti.rs) is now live, letting citizens report corruption, abuse and “arrogant behavior” by officials—opposition critics call it election-year damage control. Money-Laundering Allegations: Opposition leader Srdjan Milivojević says “outflow of money” tied to real estate and “golden visas” may amount to laundering, urging EU bodies to investigate claims after meetings in Strasbourg. Public Health & Agriculture: Serbia culls 11,000 pigs after an African swine fever outbreak in western Hrtkovci, with the state promising compensation to owners. Regional Memory Politics: Bosnia marks the Srebrenica genocide anniversary with mass burials of ten newly identified victims. EU & Diplomacy: Serbia and Romania held bilateral political consultations in Bucharest, focusing on economy, infrastructure, energy, culture and minority ties. Justice & Extradition: Serbia approved the extradition of former Bulgarian Development Bank executive Stoyan Mavrodiev to Bulgaria, expected within days. Security Cooperation: Azerbaijan and Serbia held military cybersecurity talks in Baku on cyber defense and critical infrastructure protection. Economy Watch: The National Bank of Serbia kept its key rate at 5.75%, citing inflation within target but global uncertainty.

EU Accession Clash: President Aleksandar Vučić thanked EU leaders after Brussels backed opening Cluster 3, but Serbia’s opposition says the regime can’t deliver real rule-of-law progress and warns the EU is “cutting slack” for geopolitical reasons. Border Management: Bulgaria and Serbia signed a memorandum to open the Kalotina 2–Gradina 2 crossing, with Interior Ministers stressing faster traffic and tighter cooperation against cross-border crime. Kosovo Tensions: Petar Petković told the Dutch ambassador that Pristina’s unilateral moves and arrests target Kosovo Serbs, while Serbia’s foreign ministry continues pushing dialogue and rights protections. Government Planning: PM Đuro Macut held consultations with key ministers on traffic policing, judicial infrastructure, education curriculum improvements, and pending EU reform opinions. Diplomacy Beyond Europe: Marko Đurić met China’s ambassador to deepen trade, investment and AI cooperation, while also briefing on Kosovo-Metohija; he also met the Philippines’ ambassador on Southeast Asia ties. OSCE in Belgrade: OSCE PA accepted Serbia’s bid to host its annual meeting in 2027. Sports & Culture (local angle): Serbia’s Nikola Kusturica signed with UCLA after a standout FIBA U17 run, and Belgrade marked Srebrenica remembrance with a silent vigil for victims.

Elections Timeline: President Aleksandar Vučić says Serbia’s early parliamentary and presidential elections will be held separately, with the parliamentary vote likely first, and a decision on the dates expected in August or September (possible voting in October/November). Protest Politics: The move follows more than a year of anti-government protests tied to the Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse in 2024, which protesters say exposed corruption and weak oversight. Kosovo & Church Heritage: Vučić also discussed protecting Orthodox shrines in Kosovo with Pastor Mark Burns, stressing religious freedoms and peace/security for Serbs. EU Accession Pressure: The European Parliament adopted its annual Serbia progress report, warning reforms are stalled—especially on rule of law, judiciary independence, media freedom, and corruption—while noting normalization with Kosovo remains key. EU Talks Blocked: Serbian media report that eight EU member states opposed opening Cluster 3, citing rule-of-law concerns and Serbia’s lack of sanctions against Russia. Russia Policy: A Serbian minister reiterated Serbia will not impose sanctions on Russia and praised reliable gas supplies. Sports & Society: Separate coverage highlights rising racism concerns during the World Cup, linking online and stadium abuse to a broader political climate.

EU Accession Standoff: The European Parliament says Serbia is falling behind on democracy, rule of law and foreign-policy alignment, urging progress before talks move—while EU capitals debate whether to open Cluster 3, with eight member states opposing and Brussels pushing to restart momentum. Cluster 3 Fight: Brussels and Belgrade are trying to unlock Serbia’s accession talks, but diplomats cite sanctions alignment and rule-of-law concerns as the main blockers. Parliamentary Diplomacy: Serbia’s EU integration gets a boost from the Belgrade Declaration, creating a permanent platform for EU candidate parliaments; Moldova is set to host the next conference in 2027. EU Watchdog Pressure: Serbia’s 2025 track record is also under scrutiny in an EP resolution, with lawmakers calling reforms incomplete. Security & Civil Society: A report alleges Russian cyberespionage inside a Belgrade think tank, raising fresh alarms as Serbia heads toward elections. Economy Outlook: The IMF forecasts Serbia will be among Europe’s fastest-growing economies, driven by EXPO 2027 investment. Regional Kosovo Politics: PM Djuro Macut hosts ambassadors of non-recognisers of “Kosovo,” stressing UN Charter and international-law commitments amid ongoing tensions. Energy Shock Context: A Middle East flare-up lifts energy prices and revives Europe’s inflation fears, a backdrop for Serbia’s wider economic environment.

EU Accession Clash: Serbia’s EU path is back in the spotlight as the European Commission recommends opening Cluster 3, but member states remain divided over rule-of-law and democratic concerns, with the Netherlands reportedly ready to block. Parliament & Media Freedom: In the European Parliament, amendments to the Serbia resolution condemn intimidation of students, journalists and activists and reject claims tied to the March 15, 2025 Belgrade protest; separately, media groups urge Belgrade to revoke entry bans on BIRN Montenegro’s Vuk Maras and TV Vijesti host Petar Komnenic. Local Finance Under IMF Scrutiny: Belgrade’s public finances face a final IMF opinion due by early September, after an external audit in August, with focus on debts, transit company issues, ticket waivers and corruption. Civil Society & Transparency: Belgrade is delaying a citizen budget transparency initiative for further legal review ahead of a possible November ballot. Regional Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign ministry state secretary meets Romania’s ambassador ahead of Bucharest consultations, stressing cooperation in economy, infrastructure, energy and culture. Economy & Transport: Serbia plans to restart the Belgrade–Trieste rail link and introduce a D visa for Serbian professional drivers; meanwhile, a Serbian-Chinese graphite electrode plant in Merosina is completed with production set for September.

EU Accession Talks: Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić told a conference of EU candidate-country speakers in Belgrade that “miracles” and major EU enlargements shouldn’t be expected soon, even as the European path remains the best option for the Western Balkans. Kosovo Rights: Kosovo’s Ombudsperson opened an investigation into alleged police mistreatment of Serbs detained after Vidovdan celebrations at Gazimestan, where 37 were briefly held and later fined or deported. Reform Agenda Push: Serbian PM Đuro Macut held consultations with key ministries, focusing on accelerating the Reform Agenda and the next steps toward opening EU Cluster 3. Serbia-US Link: Vučić met US spiritual adviser Mark Burns, discussing Serbia-US relations, peace and security, and protection of Serbian holy sites in Kosovo-Metohija. Transport & Economy: Serbia and Italy’s ministers discussed reinstating the Belgrade–Trieste rail passenger line and easing Schengen stay rules for Serbian professional drivers. Media Freedom: The Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation said 980 verbal attacks on journalists were recorded in the first half of the year, with 172 in June alone. Energy & Industry: Serbia will host the ITU AI for Good Impact Europe summit in May 2027 during EXPO 2027, according to Finance Minister Sinisa Mali.

EU Accession Standoff: The European Commission says Serbia has “remedied the backsliding” and is ready to open Cluster 3, but diplomats report member states are split and the Netherlands is prepared to veto, meaning Belgrade may get rewards without a new cluster for now. Local Governance & Public Transport: Serbia’s government approved a transfer of about EUR 1.22 million to Belgrade, while the GSP “Centar” union says a public-private partnership with Strela will be suspended after talks with President Vučić, with new trolleybus procurement plans tied to the next steps. Justice & Rule of Law: Serbia’s prosecutors opened a probe after a leaked plot involving football figure Nemanja Vidić sparked a political storm, as officials trade accusations over the handling of the case. Foreign Policy: Serbia held bilateral political consultations with Ghana, with both sides stressing sovereignty support and exploring cooperation, including EXPO 2027 participation. Energy & Infrastructure: The EBRD launched an international tender for rehabilitation and closure of the Duboko landfill near Užice, and the government says six firms are interested in building the reversible hydropower plant Djerdap 3.

Diplomacy & Elections: Serbia’s top foreign officials kept busy with OSCE/ODIHR on election observation cooperation and with Ghana on bilateral political consultations, while Marko Đurić also met Brazil’s ambassador as Belgrade pushes ties in Africa and Latin America. Security Cooperation: Interior Minister Ivica Dačić met Interpol’s secretary general and again floated the idea of a Belgrade-based regional Interpol bureau, citing Serbia’s active use of Interpol tools and arrest-warrant work. Kosovo & Church Diplomacy: Patriarch Porfirije visited Kosovo monasteries with US President Trump’s spiritual adviser Mark Burns, underscoring Serbia’s ongoing EU-mediated normalization push. Media Freedom Clash: Montenegro’s BIRN executive Vuk Maras says he was barred from entering Serbia at Belgrade airport, linking it to reciprocal measures and criticism of media freedom. Foreign Policy Signals: Serbia sent a minister to Ali Khamenei’s funeral in Tehran while seeking better US relations, drawing criticism at home. Politics & Society: Pride Caravan announced protests in six Serbian cities ahead of Belgrade Pride, targeting homophobia and transphobia. Governance & EU Path: A new regional analysis warns Western Balkans countries are decades away from EU standards in several areas, even as laws and regulations converge.

Parliament & Elections: Serbia’s National Assembly has kicked off a new extraordinary sitting with 18 items, including fresh amendments to the Law on Financing Political Activities and a proposed “authentic interpretation” tied to the REM media regulator council—an issue that could reopen seats after November 2025 resignations. Media Freedom: ANEM says the ruling Serbian Progressive Party blocked the FAR online portal from covering a July 5 rally in Dimitrovgrad, alleging journalists were removed and that the case sits amid long-running pressure on the outlet. Local Governance & Finance: Belgrade’s GSP transport company faces an account freeze risk as suppliers claim unpaid debts of up to 6 billion dinars, with lawsuits and forced collection looming. EU Accession Politics: The Netherlands says it opposes opening EU “Cluster 3” for Serbia over rule-of-law concerns, joining other skeptics. Foreign Policy & Security: President Vučić is set to meet Italy’s Matteo Salvini in Belgrade, while Serbia’s foreign minister Đurić pushes the EU path in Brussels and discusses Kosovo implementation with EU envoy Peter Sørensen. Sanctions Stance: Serbia’s economic cooperation minister reiterates Serbia will not impose sanctions on Russia.

EU Enlargement Standoff: The Netherlands says it won’t back opening EU “Cluster 3” talks with Serbia, citing rule-of-law concerns; RFE reports at least five EU members oppose, including the Baltics and Sweden, with some also pointing to Serbia’s lack of sanctions on Russia. Defense Diplomacy: President Aleksandar Vučić met Spain’s Defense Minister Margarita Robles in Belgrade, discussing military-technical cooperation and security ties, including UNIFIL work in Lebanon; medals were presented to the family of Milovan Jovanović, killed while serving. EU Path Messaging: Foreign Minister Marko Đurić told Brussels Serbia is intensifying its EU reform agenda, arguing integration would bring stability and reduce the Balkans’ “Achilles’ heel” status. Infrastructure Funding: Serbia redirected 1.174 billion dinars from budget reserves to continue the Raca–Bijeljina highway construction. Vojvodina Expressway Deadline: Vučić said the Vojvodina Smile expressway section to Kljajicevo should be completed by June 2028. Minority Rights Implementation: Serbia set up a coordination body to monitor the 2026–2029 minority rights action plan, aiming for better institutional delivery. Media/Politics: A report says Serbian outlet Informer pushed a protest “secret meeting” conspiracy about a Novi Pazar youth summit, which the named journalist denies. Sports & National Pride: Novak Djokovic beat Roman Safiullin at Wimbledon for a record 106th match win, reaching the quarterfinals.

Infrastructure & Regional Ties: President Aleksandar Vučić says the “Vojvodina Smile” expressway section to Kljajićevo should be finished by end-June 2028, with contracts signed for multiple segments and major structures like interchanges and bridges. Budget & Cross-Border Projects: Serbia redirected about 1.174 billion dinars from budget reserves to continue the Rača–Bijeljina highway, routing funds through the government’s General Secretariat. EU & Environment Policy: The government adopted a Draft Law on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control, aiming to simplify and digitize integrated permit issuance and align with EU rules, alongside a new migration profile for 2025. Energy & Industry: OCSiAl will supply carbon nanotubes from Serbia for Volkswagen’s PowerCo battery plant in Germany, boosting local high-tech manufacturing links to EU industry. Foreign Policy & Diplomacy: Vučić met UAE astronaut-minister Sultan Al Neyadi to expand cooperation in youth, education, science and space, while Serbia also discussed relations with the UAE. International Finance: The IMF will assess Serbia’s newly announced social and medicine-cost measures under its Policy Coordination Instrument framework. Church & US Politics: Serbian Patriarch Porfirije met Pastor Mark Burns, described as a spiritual adviser to US President Donald Trump, with plans to tour Serbian Orthodox sites. Security & UN: UNIFIL reported another Serbian peacekeeper killed in a mortar attack in southern Lebanon.

EU Accession Blocked: The Netherlands says it won’t back opening Serbia’s Cluster 3, citing rule-of-law concerns and warning the move wouldn’t be merit-based; EU-Bosnia Diplomacy: Brussels is pushing a Bosnia high representative appointment that would bypass the UN Security Council, with Serbia’s ambassador calling it an attempt to preserve “Bonn powers”; Government & Environment: Serbia’s cabinet adopted a Draft Law on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control, including digitalized integrated permit issuance and stronger inspection and transparency; IMF Watch on Social Measures: The IMF will assess Vucic’s announced social package (medicine price cuts and one-time payments), in the context of Serbia’s PCI obligations; Energy & Industry: Serbia extended a temporary ban on oil and petroleum product exports until end-July, while a Serbian-made carbon nanotube supplier (OCSiAl) was selected for Volkswagen Group battery production; Infrastructure: Belgrade signed a contract for a “master integrator” to coordinate Line 1 of the subway; International Ties: UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi met President Vucic to expand cooperation in youth, science and space; Security: A Serbian UNIFIL peacekeeper was killed in a mortar attack in southern Lebanon.

EU Accession & Diplomacy: Serbia’s FM Marko Đurić told a Brussels event that Serbia is “doubling down” on its EU path and says EU integration is key for regional stability, while also stressing Belgrade’s push for the Community of Serb-majority Municipalities in Kosovo. EU Enlargement Blockages: Serbia’s EU reform momentum is still bumping into politics: officials say Cluster 3 remains blocked despite European Commission support, with multiple EU states reportedly against opening it. Kosovo Dialogue: Đurić met EU envoy Peter Sørensen to press for resuming the Belgrade–Pristina dialogue and full implementation of existing agreements. Regional Security: A Serbian UNIFIL peacekeeper was killed in a mortar attack in southern Lebanon, as UNIFIL reports restrictions on its movement amid Israel–Hezbollah fighting. International Spotlight: Iran began funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, drawing major foreign delegations including Serbia’s information and telecommunications minister. Sports (Serbia in the spotlight): Novak Djokovic advanced at Wimbledon, tying Roger Federer’s record for most men’s singles match wins at the All England Club. Media & Governance: A regional study on social media platform governance says platforms now act as gatekeepers for news access across Serbia and the wider Balkans.

Serbia’s EU Course: Foreign Minister Marko Đurić told a Brussels event that Serbia is “doubling down” on EU accession and regional peace, framing European integration as a stability guarantee for the Western Balkans. Kosovo Dialogue: Đurić also met EU envoy Peter Sørensen to press for renewed Belgrade–Pristina talks, stressing full implementation of existing agreements and the Community of Serb-majority Municipalities. Elections Watch: SNS chair Miloš Vučević said Serbia faces presidential and parliamentary elections in the autumn, with timing linked to President Vučić’s planned resignation in “a few weeks.” Energy & Industry: Serbia’s energy ministry said it is working with Germany’s KfW on restarting the Kostolac wind farm project after delays, aiming to unblock hurdles in the energy transition. Regional Economy: Serbia and Bosnia signed a contract in Belgrade confirming Bosnia’s participation in EXPO 2027, under the “Play for Humanity” theme. Diplomacy: President Vučić met UAE youth affairs minister Sultan Al Neyadi, highlighting cooperation in youth, science and innovation. Sports (Soft Power): Djokovic advanced at Wimbledon, keeping Serbia’s spotlight on the global stage.

Elections Watch: SNS leader Miloš Vučević says Serbia could hold both parliamentary and presidential elections in the fall, linking the timing to President Vučić’s planned resignation and stressing the party hasn’t discussed specific presidential candidates. Media Ownership: Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS) has become the biggest shareholder of Politika after converting debt into shares, taking a 27.29% stake, while the Republic of Serbia holds 16.37%. Energy & Sanctions: The US has extended OFAC’s operating license for NIS through late July, keeping the Pancevo refinery running while MOL continues talks to buy out the Russian stake. Infrastructure & Transport: PowerChina has applied for a temporary permit for works on a planned Sava–Danube tunnel connection in Belgrade, and Serbia has launched an international tender worth about EUR 281 million to rehabilitate local roads. Local Development: EPS received approval to reconstruct HPP Vrla 2 (about EUR 15.5 million), and Belgrade is moving ahead with plans to repurpose EXPO 2027 prefabricated facilities for gyms, schools and cultural venues.